An-Nazi'at

Those Who Pull Out

Verses

Revelation Period

Makkan

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Background Info

When & Where: Revealed in Mecca (early Meccan period).
The Situation: The powerful leaders of Quraysh arrogantly rejected the Prophet's message and denied the possibility of Resurrection, similar to the arrogance shown by Pharaoh.
The Need: To shake the deniers out of their complacency with powerful imagery of the soul's removal at death and the suddenness of the Hour, and to warn them using the example of Pharaoh's fate.
Purpose of the Chapter: Begins with oaths describing angels forcefully seizing the souls of disbelievers and gently drawing out those of believers. It affirms the Resurrection, recounts Moses' confrontation with the arrogant Pharaoh as a lesson, contrasts those who fear God with those who transgress, and emphasizes that knowledge of the Hour's exact timing is only with God.
In short: An early Meccan chapter using vivid descriptions of death and the example of Pharaoh to warn arrogant deniers about the reality of the Resurrection and Judgment.

Core Message

To affirm the certainty of the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment, detailing the dramatic events of that Day, contrasting the ultimate fates of the believers and disbelievers, and citing Allah's power in creation and the fate of past deniers (like Pharaoh) as proof and warning.

Summary

This powerful Makkan Surah begins with a series of oaths sworn by different groups of angels performing various duties, including the forceful removal of wicked souls and the gentle drawing out of righteous souls, immediately setting a serious tone about death and the transition to the Hereafter . It then vividly describes the tumultuous events of the Day of Judgment – the first blast causing cosmic upheaval and the second blast initiating the Resurrection, leading to fearful hearts and the deniers' astonishment at being brought back to life .

The Surah then shifts to the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and his confrontation with the arrogant Pharaoh (Fir'awn) as a historical precedent . Pharaoh's tyranny, rejection of Allah's signs, and claim to lordship led to his destruction, serving as a stark warning to the Makkan disbelievers rejecting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Following this, Allah directs attention to His magnificent power in creation – the heavens, the night and day, the earth spread out with its provisions – arguing that the One who created all this is certainly capable of resurrecting mankind . The Surah culminates by describing the arrival of the "Great Overwhelming Event" (Day of Judgment) where humanity will be judged based on their deeds. It contrasts the fate of those who transgressed and preferred worldly life (Hellfire) with those who feared standing before their Lord and restrained their souls from desires (Paradise) .

Finally, it addresses the disbelievers' persistent questioning about when the Hour will occur, emphasizing that its knowledge rests solely with Allah and that the Prophet's role is only to warn those who fear it. The Surah concludes by highlighting the fleeting nature of worldly life compared to the Hereafter .

Reason for the Name

Named after the angels described in the opening verse , "By those [angels] who pull out [the souls of the wicked] violently," referring to one of their roles at the time of death.

Unique Features

Starts with distinct oaths related to angels and their specific functions.
Provides vivid, contrasting descriptions of the Day of Judgment's events and the fates of people.
Uses the story of Musa and Pharaoh concisely but powerfully as a central warning.
Employs arguments from creation to affirm the Resurrection.

Themes

The certainty and awe of the Resurrection and Day of Judgment.
The role of angels (specifically in taking souls).
Accountability for actions in this life.
The consequences of belief versus disbelief (Paradise vs. Hellfire).
Allah's absolute power demonstrated through creation.
Lessons from the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and Pharaoh (Fir'awn) regarding arrogance and rejection of truth.
The finite nature of worldly life versus the eternal Hereafter.
The knowledge of the Hour rests only with Allah.

Key Verses

: "By those [angels] who pull out... By those who gently draw out... By those who glide along... By those who race each other... And those who arrange affairs..." - Significance: Powerful oaths highlighting the unseen forces (angels) at work under Allah's command, emphasizing the gravity of the events to follow (death and judgment).
: The concise recounting of Musa (AS) confronting Pharaoh. - Significance: Serves as a potent historical reminder that arrogance, denial of Allah, and rejection of His messengers lead to dire consequences.
: "But when there comes the Great Overwhelming Calamity... As for him who transgressed... But as for him who feared the standing before his Lord and restrained the soul from [base] desire, Then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge." - Significance: Clearly outlines the criteria for judgment and the contrasting eternal destinations based on one's faith and actions in life.
: "They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival?... Its knowledge is with your Lord... The Day they see it, it will be as though they had not remained [in the world] except for an afternoon or a morning thereof." - Significance: Addresses the persistent questioning about the Hour, affirming its knowledge is only with Allah, and emphasizing its perceived nearness and the shortness of worldly life upon experiencing it.

Stories

The primary narrative referenced is the confrontation between Prophet Musa (AS) and the tyrannical Pharaoh (Fir'awn) of Egypt .

Personalities

Musa (AS): Prophet sent by Allah to Pharaoh with clear signs, calling him to purify himself and guiding him to his Lord .
Fir'awn (Pharaoh): The arrogant ruler of Egypt who rejected Musa's message, claimed divinity for himself , and was ultimately punished by Allah , .

Practical Guidance

Deepen belief in the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the Resurrection.
Understand that actions have consequences, leading to either Paradise or Hellfire.
Reflect on Allah's immense power manifest in creation to strengthen faith in His ability to resurrect.
Learn from the arrogance and downfall of Pharaoh, avoiding pride and rejection of truth.
Recognize the importance of fearing Allah and restraining oneself from forbidden desires.
Focus on preparing for the Hereafter rather than obsessing over the exact timing of the Hour.
Appreciate the fleeting nature of this worldly life in comparison to eternity.

Points of Reflection

How does the description of the angels taking souls impact my awareness of death and accountability?
What specific traits led to Pharaoh's destruction, and how can I ensure I avoid similar pitfalls in my own life?
When I look at the sky, the earth, and the cycle of night and day , how does it reinforce my conviction in Allah's power and the reality of the Hereafter?

Connection to Chapters

Connection to Surah An-Naba (78): Surah An-Nazi'at directly follows Surah An-Naba, which also focuses intensely on the Day of Judgment ("The Great News"). An-Nazi'at continues and reinforces this central theme, using different imagery (angels, cosmic events) and adding the historical example of Musa and Pharaoh to underscore the message of accountability and the consequences of denial.
Connection to Surah 'Abasa (80): While An-Nazi'at focuses on the certainty of the Last Day and the fate of deniers, the following Surah, 'Abasa, shifts focus towards the importance of the Quranic message itself and the proper attitude towards receiving and conveying guidance, regardless of the recipient's social status.