68: The Pen
This chapter contains 52 very early
Meccan verses, all except for VV. 17-23, which
form a graphic parable of The Arrogant Orchardmen , (or The Blighted
Garden as it is sometimes called). These farmers committed the sin
of arrogation
and ended up by losing their crops (I). Another later story in VV. 48-50
concerns
the prophet Jonah (II). Both of these tales date from Madina. The main
body
however was revealed after The Clot 96 (with which it should be compared),
and
before Bundled Up 73.
This chapter brought comfort to the Prophet, and it is sometimes called
the
Second Revelation Its initial statement shows his growing preoccupation
concerning literacy.