Al-Inshiqaq

The Splitting Asunder

Verses

Revelation Period

Makkan

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Background Info

When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, during the Early Meccan period.
The Situation: Persistent denial among the Meccans regarding resurrection and the final meeting with God. People were attached to worldly life and ignored warnings about the Hereafter.
The Need: To impress upon the listeners the absolute certainty of the Day of Judgment and the fact that every individual will inevitably meet their Lord and face their record.
Purpose of the Chapter: Describes the dramatic cosmic events of the Last Day (sky splitting asunder, earth stretched out). It emphasizes that every human is striving towards their Lord and will meet Him. It details the two ways deeds will be presented (easy reckoning for the righteous in the right hand, destruction for the wicked receiving it behind their back).
In short: Al-Inshiqaq focuses on the inevitability of meeting God and receiving one's account on Judgment Day, after dramatic cosmic signs.

Core Message

A vivid depiction of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the certainty of accountability where every soul will face the consequences of their deeds, leading to either eternal bliss or punishment.

Summary

This Surah opens with powerful imagery of the cosmos responding to Allah's command on the Day of Resurrection: the sky splitting apart and the earth stretching out, expelling its contents . It asserts that humanity is inevitably striving towards its Lord and will meet the results of this striving .

The chapter then contrasts the fates of two groups based on how they receive their record of deeds. Those given their book in their right hand will have an easy reckoning and return joyfully to their people . Conversely, those given their book behind their back will wish for destruction and enter the Blaze, having lived heedlessly among their families .

The Surah uses cosmic phenomena (the twilight, night, and the moon) as oaths to emphasize the certainty of humanity passing through stages towards the final meeting with Allah . It concludes by questioning the disbelief of the rejectors, warning them of a painful punishment, while promising unending reward for those who believe and do righteous deeds .

Reason for the Name

Named after the first verse which describes the dramatic event of the sky "splitting asunder" on the Day of Judgment, setting the theme for the chapter.

Unique Features

Opens with striking cosmic descriptions of the Last Day.
Focuses intensely on the act of receiving the book of deeds as the decisive moment.
Contains a verse of recommended prostration (Sajdah Tilawah) at .
Emphasizes the inevitable 'stages' humanity passes through .

Themes

The Day of Judgment (Qiyamah): Its certainty and associated cosmic events.
Accountability: Every individual facing the record of their actions.
Deeds: The ultimate basis for judgment (receiving the book).
Reward and Punishment: The contrasting outcomes for the righteous and the wicked.
Submission to Allah: The natural order (sky, earth) obeying Allah, contrasted with human rebellion.
Humanity's Journey: The inevitable progression towards meeting Allah.
Belief vs. Disbelief: The consequences of rejecting the divine message.

Key Verses

: "When the sky splits open * and listens to its Lord—and it must— * and when the earth is flattened out, * and ejects ˹all˺ its contents and becomes empty, * and listens to its Lord—and it must— ˹surely you will be judged˺." - Sets the dramatic stage for the Day of Judgment, emphasizing universal submission to Allah's command.
: "O humanity! Indeed, you are labouring diligently towards your Lord, and you will surely meet Him." - A fundamental statement about the purpose and end of human life: an unavoidable return to Allah for reckoning.
: "Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, * He will be judged with an easy reckoning, * And return to his people joyfully." - Describes the blissful state of the successful believer.
: "But as for he who is given his record behind his back, * He will cry out for destruction, * And will burn in a blazing Fire." - Depicts the despair and punishment of the wicked.
: "and when the Quran is recited to them, they do not prostrate?" - Highlights the arrogance of disbelief and contains a point of recommended prostration (Sajdah Tilawah) for Muslims reciting or hearing it.

Stories

This chapter does not contain historical stories or narratives about past prophets or peoples. Its focus is primarily descriptive of future events (the Day of Judgment) and the states of humanity.

Personalities

No specific prophets or individuals are named in this Surah. The address is general to "humanity" (Al-Insan).

Practical Guidance

Urgency of Accountability: Reminds believers that life is a journey towards Allah and accountability is certain, motivating righteous actions and repentance.
Significance of Deeds: Emphasizes that actions are recorded and will determine one's fate, encouraging mindfulness in daily conduct.
Humility and Submission: Contrasts the submission of the cosmos with human arrogance, urging humility before Allah and His revelations. ,
Hope and Fear: Balances the warning of severe punishment with the promise of immense reward, fostering both reverence/fear of Allah's justice and hope in His mercy.
Purposeful Living: Encourages reflection on the ultimate goal of life – meeting Allah – and living in preparation for that moment. ,

Points of Reflection

How does the vivid imagery of the sky splitting and the earth stretching impact my awareness and awe of the Day of Judgment?
What does it mean for me, personally, to be "labouring diligently towards my Lord" , and how can I ensure this striving is positive?
Reflecting on the two outcomes (receiving the book in the right hand vs. behind the back), what specific actions can I take today to be among the successful?

Connection to Chapters

Follows Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83), which also deals with the Day of Judgment, focusing on the recording of deeds (in Sijjin for the wicked, Illiyyin for the righteous) and the sin of cheating/fraud. Al-Inshiqaq continues the theme of judgment and accountability with powerful cosmic signs and the final presentation of these recorded deeds.
Precedes Surah Al-Buruj (85), which highlights Allah's power, the persecution faced by believers, and the eventual triumph of truth, reinforcing the themes of divine oversight and ultimate justice mentioned in Al-Inshiqaq. The sequence emphasizes different facets of Allah's power, justice, and the Day of Reckoning.