Al-Mursalat

Those Sent Forth

Verses

Revelation Period

Makkan

Reason for the Name

Named after the first verse , "Wal-mursalati 'urfa" (By those [winds] sent forth). It refers to the oaths sworn by Allah involving angels or winds dispatched sequentially for various divine purposes, setting a powerful tone for the chapter's theme.

Summary

Surah Al-Mursalat begins with a series of dramatic oaths sworn by forces commanded by Allah, such as the winds or angels sent forth , immediately leading to the affirmation that the promised Day of Judgment is inevitable . It vividly describes the cataclysmic events that will mark this Day: the stars being extinguished, the sky splitting open, the mountains being pulverized and scattered . This Day is identified as the "Day of Decision" (Yawm al-Fasl), when messengers will be gathered as witnesses .

The chapter introduces a stark, recurring refrain: "Woe on that Day to the deniers!" , which is repeated ten times throughout the Surah, punctuating descriptions of destruction, warnings, and contrasts between the fates of believers and disbelievers. It reminds the audience of the fate of previous generations who denied the truth and poses rhetorical questions about creation to emphasize Allah's power and the foolishness of denial. The grim destiny of the deniers in Hell is graphically depicted , contrasted sharply with the serene blessings of Paradise awaiting the God-fearing (muttaqin) – shade, springs, fruits, and honorable welcome .

The Surah concludes with a final, powerful challenge to those who reject the Quran: "Then in what statement, after this [Quran], will they believe?" .

Core Message

A powerful and evocative portrayal of the certainty of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Fasl - The Day of Decision), contrasting the rewards for the righteous with the severe punishment awaiting the deniers, repeatedly emphasizing the warning, "Woe on that Day to the deniers!"

Themes

The Certainty and Reality of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Fasl) ,
Divine Power and Authority (evident in the oaths and descriptions of cosmic events) , ,
Consequences of Belief versus Denial (Jannah vs. Jahannam) ,
Stern Warning Against Denial (the refrain "Woe to the deniers...") , 19, 24, 28, 34, 37, 40, 45, 47, 49)
Accountability and Divine Justice
Historical Lessons from Past Nations
The Truth and Sufficiency of the Quran

Key Verses

: The opening oaths invoking powerful imagery (winds/angels) leading to the declaration of the Day of Judgment's certainty. Significance: Establishes the solemn and inevitable nature of the subject matter.
: Description of the cosmic upheaval on the Day of Judgment. Significance: Instills awe and highlights the immense power of Allah and the magnitude of the Day.
, 19, 24, 28, 34, 37, 40, 45, 47, 49): The recurring verse, "وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ" (Woe on that Day to the deniers!). Significance: Serves as the central warning and rhythmic backbone of the Surah, emphasizing the dire fate of those who reject the truth.
: Description of the rewards for the righteous (Muttaqin) in Paradise. Significance: Provides hope and motivation, contrasting sharply with the punishment of the deniers.
: The concluding challenge about what message they will believe if not the Quran. Significance: Underscores the finality and authority of the Quran as divine guidance.

Stories

The Surah does not contain detailed narratives but makes a significant reference to the destruction of earlier generations who denied their messengers , serving as a historical warning.

Personalities

No specific prophets or major historical figures are named in this chapter, though it refers generally to "messengers" (rusul) being gathered on the Day of Judgment and to past generations ("the former peoples") .

Practical Guidance

Strengthens conviction (Yaqeen) in the Last Day and the subsequent accountability.
Encourages reflection on Allah's power as manifested in creation and the predicted events of the end times.
Serves as a strong deterrent against disbelief and denial of divine signs.
Highlights the importance of learning from history and the fate of those who ignored divine warnings.
Motivates striving for righteousness (Taqwa) to attain the promised rewards.
Reinforces the Quran's status as the ultimate criterion and source of guidance.

Points of Reflection

How does the ten-fold repetition of "Woe to the deniers on that Day!" shape my understanding of the seriousness of disbelief and the importance of gratitude and belief?
How can reflecting on the descriptions of Judgment Day and the different fates of people motivate me to improve my actions today?
Given the final challenge in verse , how fully do I turn to the Quran for guidance and answers in my life?

Unique Features

Its powerful, rhythmic style, driven by short verses and the impactful repetition of the "Woe to the deniers..." refrain (10 times).
The intense and almost exclusive focus on the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Fasl) and its consequences.
The dramatic sequence of oaths in the opening verses.
Its concise yet profound delivery of warning and promise.

Connection to Chapters

Connection to Previous Chapter (Al-Insan, 76): Surah Al-Insan (76) discusses the creation of humankind, free will, and outlines the rewards for the grateful believers and the punishment for the ungrateful disbelievers. Surah Al-Mursalat builds on this by focusing intensely on the Day when these consequences will be fully realized (the Day of Decision), emphasizing its certainty and describing its events.
Connection to Next Chapter (An-Naba, 78): Surah An-Naba (78) immediately follows up on the theme of Judgment Day, opening with "About what are they questioning? About the Great News (An-Naba al-Adheem)" , which refers to the Resurrection that Al-Mursalat so powerfully warns about. Both chapters delve deeply into the reality, signs, and consequences associated with that Day.