Surah Al-Infitar (Arabic:الانفطار) is the 82nd chapter of the Qur'an, revealed in Mecca. It consists of 19 verses and primarily deals with the events of the Day of Judgment, human accountability, and the consequences of one's deeds. The name "Al-Infitar" (meaning "The Splitting") comes from the description in the first verse, which portrays the heavens splitting open as one of the signs of the end times.
Connection to Surrounding Surahs:
Surah Al-Infitar is closely tied to the themes found in the surrounding chapters, particularly Surah Al-Takwir and Surah Al-Mutaffifin. These surahs share a focus on the Day of Judgment and the fate awaiting both the righteous and the wicked. While Surah Al-Takwir describes the unraveling of cosmic phenomena, Surah Al-Infitar continues the depiction of catastrophic events, emphasizing human responsibility and the consequences of their actions.
Chronologically, Surah Al-Infitar was revealed in the early Meccan period, when the central focus of the Qur'anic message was to remind people of the coming of the Day of Judgment, urging them to reflect on their actions and beliefs before it's too late.
Revelation:
Although no specific event is recorded as the reason for the revelation of this surah, its content suggests that it was revealed to address the people's negligence regarding their fate and accountability. It serves as a powerful reminder of human mortality and the inevitable arrival of the Day of Judgment, where all deeds will be scrutinized.
Translation:
In-Depth:
Verses 1-5: Cosmic Signs of the End Times
The surah opens with vivid imagery of the heavens splitting apart, planets scattering, seas boiling over, and graves being overturned and scattered. These catastrophic events serve as vivid imagery for the disintegration of the natural order on the Day of Judgment, signaling the end of worldly life and the beginning of the afterlife.
Verses 6-8: The Generosity of Allah ﷻ and Human Accountability
These verses address humanity directly, questioning what has deceived them into neglecting their duties toward their Generous Lord. Allah ﷻ, who created humans in the best of forms, endowed them with the ability to discern right from wrong. This section emphasizes that humans are often distracted by worldly affairs, forgetting the bounties bestowed upon them by Allah ﷻ.
Verses 9-12: The Role of Angels and Human Deeds
The surah reminds people that their actions are constantly being recorded by angels known as "Kiraman Katibin" (noble scribes), who note every deed, good or bad. This divine accounting is meant to instill a sense of accountability and mindfulness in one's behavior.
Verses 13-19: The Fate of the Righteous and the Wicked
The surah concludes with a vivid description of the fate that awaits the righteous (who will be in a place of bliss) and the wicked (who will suffer in Hell). The final verses serve as both a warning to those who deny the Day of Judgment and a reassurance to the believers who strive to obey Allah's ﷻ commands. They emphasize on the concept of individual accountability, and that nearly no one will be allowed to intercede upon another's behalf, and how every man will look towards others to beseech them so they might escape their fate.
(Surah Ibrahim 14:21)
(Surah Al Muminoon 23: 99-101)
Intercession on the Day of Judgment
The concept of intercession (Shafa'ah) in Islamic theology is deeply rooted in the Qur'an and Hadith. Intercession refers to the act of mediating on behalf of others, asking Allah ﷻ for mercy, or for the alleviation of punishment. However, the Qur'an makes it clear that intercession will only be granted by Allah ﷻ to certain individuals and for certain people, emphasizing that Allah’s ﷻ permission is required.
1. Intercession in Surah Maryam
The verse from Surah Maryam provides a foundation for understanding the limitations of intercession on the Day of Judgment:
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"None will have [power of] intercession except he who had taken from the Most Merciful a covenant."
(Surah Maryam 19:87)
This verse implies that intercession is a privilege, not a right. Only those whom Allah ﷻ permits, and those who had a covenant with Him (i.e., belief in Tawheed – the oneness of Allah ﷻ), will be eligible to intercede or to benefit from intercession. It reflects the broader Islamic teaching that only those who maintained their faith, obeyed Allah's ﷻ commands, and avoided polytheism will receive such mercy.
2. Other Verses Supporting the Concept of Limited Intercession
Several other Qur'anic verses reinforce the idea that intercession is granted only by Allah ﷻ and is not universally available.
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"Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills..."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) - Ayat Al-Kursi
This verse makes it clear that only Allah ﷻ can grant permission for intercession. It underlines Allah's ﷻ absolute control over the process and His exclusive authority to allow intercessors to speak on behalf of others.
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"On that day no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word."
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:109)
This further supports the theme that intercession is not automatically available but is dependent on Allah's ﷻ permission and His acceptance of the intercessor.
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"He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive."
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:28)
3. No Intercession for the Disbelievers
In Surah Al-Mu’minoon, the Qur'an addresses the state of people on the Day of Judgment and explains that intercession will not help those who rejected faith:
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"So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. Then those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who will be the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles."
(Surah Al-Mu’minoon 23:101-104)
These verses clearly indicate that the disbelievers and those who are light in good deeds will have no one to intercede for them. No familial or social relationships will be of benefit on that day. Instead, the only determining factor will be the balance of their deeds, with the righteous receiving mercy and the wrongdoers facing punishment.
4. Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) Supplication and Intercession
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, AS) is often portrayed in the Qur'an as a figure of deep compassion and concern for others. His supplications for others reflect the concept of intercession, although ultimately it is Allah ﷻ who decides.
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"Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established."
(Surah Ibrahim 14:41)
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"And who I hope will forgive me my fault on the Day of Recompense.
(Surah Al-Shu'ara 26:82)
Surah Al-Infitar emphasizes on the end of times, human accountability, and the inevitability of divine justice. Its vivid imagery of cosmic events and its reminder of Allah's ﷻ generosity and mercy aim to awaken the hearts of the heedless. This surah, with its message, remains an essential part of Qur'anic recitation and reflection for those striving for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Allah ﷻ.
Translation and Pronunciation:
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