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75

Al-Qiyamah

The Resurrection

Verses

40

Revelation Period

Makkan

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Background Info

  • When & Where: Revealed in Mecca (early to middle Meccan period).
  • The Situation: The Meccan polytheists persistently denied the core concept of resurrection and the Day of Judgment, mocking the idea that scattered bones could be brought back to life.
  • The Need: To forcefully affirm the reality and certainty of the Resurrection, countering the arguments and skepticism of the deniers with powerful descriptions.
  • Purpose of the Chapter: Emphatically asserts the coming of the Day of Judgment, swearing by it. It describes the dramatic events of that Day – the dazed eyes, the eclipse of the moon, the joining of sun and moon – and the state of humans then. It also addresses the Prophet's eagerness during revelation, assuring him the Quran's collection and recitation is guaranteed by God.
  • In short: A powerful Meccan chapter focused entirely on confirming the absolute certainty of the Resurrection and vividly describing the events of that Day to counter disbelief.

Core Message

To affirm the absolute certainty of the Day of Resurrection and Judgment, describe its dramatic events, address human denial and accountability, and assert Allah's power to resurrect.

Summary

This powerful Makkan Surah begins with oaths swearing by the Day of Resurrection and the self-reproaching soul, confirming the reality of the Day when humans will be held accountable . It directly addresses the human tendency to deny resurrection, asking if man thinks his bones cannot be reassembled, affirming Allah's power to perfectly reconstruct even the fingertips .

The Surah vividly portrays the terrifying cosmic events of that Day: the sight will be dazzled, the moon eclipsed, and the sun and moon merged . Humans will desperately seek a place to flee, but there will be no refuge except with Allah . On that Day, humans will be informed of all they sent forth and left behind . It also touches upon the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) eagerness during revelation, reassuring him that Allah would ensure its collection and recitation . The focus then shifts to criticizing humanity's love for the fleeting present life and neglect of the Hereafter , contrasting the radiant faces of the believers looking towards their Lord with the gloomy faces of the disbelievers anticipating calamity .

The Surah concludes by describing the soul reaching the throat at death , condemning the one who neither believed nor prayed but denied and turned away , and powerfully arguing for resurrection by reminding humans of their humble origins from a drop of fluid, questioning how the One who created them initially could not resurrect them .

Reason for the Name

Named after the Day of Resurrection (Al-Qiyamah), which is sworn by in the first verse and is the central theme of the chapter. It emphasizes the certainty and describes the events of this Day.

Unique Features

  • Opens with a direct oath on the Day of Resurrection, immediately setting the central theme.
  • Contains highly vivid and impactful descriptions of the signs of the Hour and the states of people.
  • Includes a unique passage addressing the Prophet (PBUH) about the receiving of Quranic revelation .
  • Employs powerful rhetorical questions to challenge disbelief , .

Themes

  • The Certainty of the Day of Resurrection (Al-Qiyamah) , 6)
  • Human Accountability and Judgment , 36)
  • Allah's Absolute Power (especially to resurrect) , 40)
  • Descriptions of the Events of the Last Day
  • Human Psychology (Denial, Haste, Love of the World) , 16, 20-21)
  • The State of Believers vs. Disbelievers on Judgment Day
  • The Process of Death
  • The Nature of Revelation
  • Consequences of Belief vs. Disbelief

Key Verses

  • "I swear by the Day of Resurrection! And I swear by the self-reproaching soul! Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes indeed; We are Able to reconstruct his very fingertips." - Establishes the certainty of resurrection with powerful oaths and highlights Allah's intricate power.
  • "So when the sight is dazzled, and the moon is eclipsed, and the sun and the moon are joined together, on that Day man will say, 'Where is the place to flee?'" - Vivid, awe-inspiring imagery of the cosmic upheaval on the Day of Judgment.
  • "Do not move your tongue with it, O Prophet, to hasten with its recitation. Indeed, upon Us is its collection and its recitation. So when We have recited it, then follow its recitation. Then upon Us is its clarification." - Insight into the revelation process and reassurance to the Prophet (PBUH).
  • "Some faces, that Day, will be radiant, Looking towards their Lord." - A hopeful and beautiful description of the believers' state and ultimate reward.
  • "Does man think that he will be left neglected? Was he not a sperm-drop emitted? Then he was a clinging clot, and Allah created and proportioned him? And made from him the two mates, the male and the female. Is not That One Able to give life to the dead?" - A compelling logical argument for resurrection based on the miracle of initial creation.

Stories

This Surah does not contain detailed historical narratives about specific prophets or past nations. Instead, its focus is on the future event of the Resurrection and the process of death, using descriptive and argumentative styles.

Personalities

  • Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Directly addressed regarding the manner of receiving revelation .
  • Man (Al-Insan): Referred to generally, representing humanity in its tendency towards denial , 5, 10, 36), its accountability , and its creation .

Practical Guidance

  • Cultivate unwavering faith in the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment.
  • Recognize that every action is recorded and will be presented on Judgment Day, fostering mindfulness and accountability.
  • Avoid excessive attachment to worldly life at the expense of preparing for the eternal life to come .
  • Understand the gravity of denying the truth and turning away from Allah's guidance .
  • Reflect on the miracle of human creation as proof of Allah's power to resurrect.
  • Find comfort in the description of the believers' radiant faces, motivating righteous deeds.
  • Trust in Allah's promise to preserve and clarify His revelation.

Points of Reflection

  • How does contemplating the dramatic events described in verses change my perspective on my daily concerns and priorities?
  • In what ways might the concept of the "self-reproaching soul" be active within me, guiding me towards good and away from evil?
  • Reflecting on , how does understanding my own creation deepen my certainty in Allah's power and the reality of resurrection?

Connection to Chapters

  • Follows Surah Al-Muddaththir (74), which also heavily emphasizes warnings about the Day of Judgment (referred to as As-Saqar and the Day of Distress) and the consequences for disbelievers. Al-Qiyamah continues this theme with a more focused description of the Resurrection itself.
  • Precedes Surah Al-Insan (76), which shifts focus slightly towards the creation of man (linking to and detailing the specific rewards for the righteous in Paradise, providing a contrast and complement to the warnings and judgment themes in Al-Qiyamah.