It
is known from verse 94 of this surah that it was revealed in Makkah in the
early days of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) because for the first
time in this verse he has been commanded to preach Islam openly. This fact is
stated at the beginning of the surah. That the Qur’an is a book revealed by
Allah Almighty and those who oppose it, there will come a time when they wish
that they would convert to Islam. They also called Hazrat Muhammad (peace be
upon him) a madman or insane (We seek refuge in Allah-God forbid) and a wizard.
While denying these things, the reality of priesthood is stated in verses 17
and 18. The real reason for their disbelief was their arrogance. Therefore, the
incident of Iblis is described in verses 26 to 44, how his arrogance deprived
him of the mercy of Allah Almighty. The incidents of Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat
Lut, Hazrat Shoaib, and Hazrat Saleh (peace be upon all of them) are briefly
described as a lesson to the disbelievers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) and the Muslims have been reassured that because of the stubbornness of
these disbelievers, they should not think that their labor is in vain. They
have to preach effectively, which they are doing in the best possible way. They
are not responsible for the consequences. The surah is named after the
settlements of the people of Thamud, which were called “Hijr“, and
they are mentioned in verse 80 of this surah.

Quran
Chapter: 15 (The Rocky Tract) Surah Hijr.

Verse
15:94: Therefore proclaim openly (Allah’s Message—Islamic Monotheism) that
which you are commanded, and turn away from Al-Mushrikun (polytheists,
idolaters, and disbelievers).

Verse:
15: 17: And We have guarded it (the near heaven) from every outcast Shaitan (devil).

Verse:
15:18: Except him (devil) who steals the hearing then he is pursued by a clear
flaming fire.

Verse:
15:80: And verily, the dwellers of Al-Hijr (the rocky tract) denied the
Messengers.