This Soorah is called Al-Qalam (The Pen) as well as An-Noon (The letter of the alphabet called “Noon”, like N in English); both names are taken from the very beginning of the Soorah.

This Soorah was revealed when Makkan opposition to the Prophetic mission had become quite pronounced. As a way to discredit his message and hinder his mission, the opponents had starting ridiculing the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in public and calling him a mad or possessed man. The Soorah attempts to bring the Makkans to think rationally rather than reacting to the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s message with emotional diatribe or disregarding his message without any serious reflection. It also warns the opponents of the consequences of their behaviour in this world and in the Hereafter.

By its placement immediately after Soorah Al-Mulk, it has been coupled with it because of the similarity of theme, though the style and tone is different because of the difference in the stage of the mission and in the reaction of the Makkans. Towards the end of Soorah Al-Mulk, the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was instructed to ask the Makkans, “Have you considered whether Allaah destroys me and those with me or has mercy on us, who will shelter the disbelievers from a painful punishment?” This Soorah starts with drawing the Makkan’s attention to the beauty of the Qur-aan (in every respect -- language, style, message, etc.) and of the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s character. Thereby it indicates that soon it will become clear to everyone who is guided aright to attain salvation and who is on the path of destruction.