Revealed toward the end of the Makkan period, this sūrah of 35 verses takes its name from the word al-’ahqāf in verse 21, which means the sand hills; but is also the name of a place in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It warns all those who obstinately persist in their evil ways and defiance against the Religion of Truth by reminding them of the tragic end of the people of ‘Ād. It presents some of the concrete proofs of the Messengership of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. It also mentions the conversion to Islam of some jinn who listened to some parts from the Qur’ān, and who then went on to try to guide their people.