Surah Al-Qari'ah (Arabic: القارعة) is the 101st chapter of the Quran and was the 30th surah revealed in chronological order. It is a Meccan surah, revealed during the early period of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ prophethood.
The Surah was revealed to emphasize the reality of the Day of Judgment and to warn the disbelievers of its catastrophic events, urging them to reflect on their deeds. The name "Al-Qari'ah" means "The Striking Calamity" or "The Catastrophe," referring to the overwhelming and sudden nature of the Day of Judgment, when humanity will be judged, and their deeds weighed.
The Revelation:
Surah Al-Qari'ah was revealed in Mecca during the early period of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood. This was a time when the message of Islam was being established in a predominantly polytheistic society. The early revelations often focused on the fundamental beliefs of Islam, including the oneness of Allah ﷻ (Tawhid), the concept of prophethood, and the afterlife.
Purpose and Circumstances of Revelation:
- Emphasis on the Afterlife: One of the key reasons for the revelation of Surah Al-Qari'ah was to emphasize the reality of the Day of Judgment. During the early Meccan period, the people of Mecca were largely oblivious to the concept of an afterlife. They were more concerned with their worldly lives and often rejected the idea that they would be resurrected and held accountable for their actions. The Surah served as a stark reminder of the catastrophic events that would occur on the Day of Judgment, thus urging the people to reconsider their ways.
- Warning to Disbelievers: The Surah was also revealed as a warning to the disbelievers who mocked the Prophet ﷺ and dismissed the idea of resurrection. By describing the chaos and terror of the Day of Judgment, the Surah aimed to instill fear and encourage reflection among those who denied the message of Islam.
- Reinforcement of Accountability: Another reason for the Surah’s revelation was to reinforce the concept of accountability. The idea that every individual’s deeds would be weighed, and their eternal fate determined by this weighing, was a new and profound concept for the Meccan society. This Surah sought to make it clear that worldly status, wealth, or lineage would hold no value on that day; only one's deeds would matter.
- Moral Awakening: Surah Al-Qari'ah was also meant to be a moral awakening for the early Muslims, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the opposition they faced. The vivid imagery of the Surah served as a reminder to the believers of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the hereafter.
Translation:
- Verse 1: The Calamity!
- Verse 2: What is the Calamity?
- Verse 3: And what do you know what the Calamity is?
- Verse 4: On that Day human beings shall be like scattered moths, (in a panicked state)
- Verse 5: and the mountains shall be like fluffs of carded wool, (referring to the destruction that will occur)
- Verse 6: Then he whose scales weigh heavier
- Verse 7: shall have a blissful life;
- Verse 8: but he whose scales weigh lighter,
- Verse 9: his shall be the deep pit (abyss) for a dwelling
- Verse 10: And what do you know what that is?
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Verse 11: A scorching fire.
In Depth:
Surah Al-Qari'ah is often recited for its profound message about the afterlife and the accountability that every soul will face.
- The Calamity (Al-Qari'ah): The Surah opens with the word "Al-Qari'ah," immediately grabbing attention with a strong emphasis on the cataclysmic event that is to come. This event is so overwhelming that it will shake the very fabric of existence.
- The Chaos on the Day of Judgment: The Surah continues by describing how, on this day, people will be like scattered moths, disoriented and in a state of panic. The mountains, which are usually seen as symbols of stability and strength, will be like wool that is fluffed up, indicating complete destruction and chaos.
- Weighing of Deeds: One of the central themes of this Surah is the weighing of deeds on the Day of Judgment. The Surah states that those whose good deeds are heavy on the scales will have a pleasant life. Conversely, those whose scales are light, with little good deeds, will face a terrible fate, described as "Hawiyah," a bottomless pit or abyss.
- The Fate of the Soul: The Surah concludes by emphasizing that the final destination for each soul depends on their deeds. The concept of accountability and the consequences of one's actions are starkly highlighted.
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
