It is commonly known among the commentators that this Surah is the first Surah that was revealed to the holy Prophet (S) of Islam. The contents of the Surah also confirm this idea. Some have said that the first Surah is Surah Fatihah, or perhaps Surah Muddaththir, but again this is contrary to what is commonly thought.
First, this Surah addresses the holy Prophet (S) and commands him to read or proclaim (the Message).
Then, it refers to the creation of Man out of a mere clot.
Further, it refers to the development of Man, who is taught from the bounty and by the Grace of Allah; the soul in him reaching out to knowledge sublime, and the instrument of it, the sanctified Pen.
Thereafter, it speaks about ungrateful Man, and that despite all the blessings and graciousness that Allah bestows on him, he rebels.
Following this, it points to the painful chastisement of those who cause a hindrance on the road to guidance and righteous deeds.
Then, the Surah ends with a command to prostration, and of drawing closer to Allah.
On the virtue of reciting this Surah, there is a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) who said:
"He who recites Surah 'Alaq on a day or a night and passes away on the same day or night, at the time of the Day of Judgment, he will be considered as a martyr and Allah will raise him to life again as a martyr and He will resurrect him as one who has fought the holy war, on the way of Allah, in the presence of the Messenger of Allah.”1
Because of the different words used at the beginning, this Surah is called: 'Alaq, Iqra', or Qalam.