30: The [East] Romans
This chapter was revealed after
Splitting Open 84 and before the previous
chapter on The Spider 29. It Consists
of six sections with 60 verses in all; 59 are
Meccm. while one, V. 17 dates from Madina. The term Ar-Rum refers to Europe
in its imperialistic phase, even recently in North Africa.
A clear consciousness of history is displayed here, as it was in the previous
chapter: the reference is to the current wars then being waged between
the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire and the Persian Empire in the days
of the Prophet.
The chapter also has some lyric passages on the glory of God (II) and His
signs
(III). Marriage is discussed and also differences in speech and race. Associates
or
partners must always be watched carefully we are warned (IV).