This is the 54th Surah according to the order of revelation.  This is a Makki Surah revealed about 3-4 years before the Hijrah.  It has 99 verses in 6 sections. The name al-Hijr refers probably to the same area where Thamud used to live in the northwestern part of Arabia.

The main theme of the Surah is divine guidance, and people's response.  Allah's warns those who deny this message and as a reminder of these warnings, we have here the stories of Prophet Lot's people, Thamud and other groups.

Recitation: Shaykh Mishaari Raashid & Ibrahaim Walk using Saheeh International Translation. Thematic introduction: Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi.