Surah Al-Bayyina – Mahmoud El Sheimy

Al-Bayyina ("The Clear Proof"), also called Lam Yakun after its opening words, is the 98th surah of the Quran, in Juz' Amma. Medinan in the standard classification (some consider it Meccan), it has 8 verses and is the 100th surah in the traditional order of revelation, after At-Talaq. Its name comes from "the clear proof" mentioned in its first verse.

That proof is a messenger from God reciting purified pages that contain upright writings (98:2-3). The surah observes that those given the Scripture divided only after the clear proof had come to them, though they had been commanded only to worship God sincerely, to pray and to give zakat: "that is the upright religion" (98:4-5). It then contrasts the worst of creatures with those who believe and do good, "the best of creatures", rewarded with the gardens of Eden: "God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him" (98:6-8).

Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ told Ubayy ibn Ka'b: "God has commanded me to recite to you Lam yakun alladhina kafaru." Ubayy asked: "Did He name me?" When told yes, he wept (al-Bukhari, Muslim).