Surah Al Waqiah - A Detailed Analysis - Part 2

This the second part of a two part analysis of Surah Al Waqiah - the 56th chapter of the Quran.

1. SURAH AL-WAQIAH (Part:2) Chapter-56 (Prepared by: Nasim Ahsan) سورة الواقعة

2. IN THE NAME OF GOD ,THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

4. نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَ أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَ نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

5. إِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُونَ بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُونَ لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُونَ أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْشِئُونَ نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

6. Verses (57-74) advance arguments in support of resurrection by highlighting Allah’s power to create human beings, vegetation, sweet water and fire. In these arguments, man’s attention has been drawn to: H is own creation. T he food that he eats. T he water that he drinks. T he fire on which he cooks his food. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

7. The 1 st Proof The Creation of Mankind نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَ 56:57) We have created you: will you not then testify about Our power of creation? أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَ 56:58) Have you ever considered the semen you discharge: أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَ 56:59) Is it you who create the child from it, or are We the Creator? نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ 56:60) It is We Who have ordained death among you and We are not helpless عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ 56:61) in replacing you by others like yourselves or transforming you into beings that you do not know. وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ 56:62) You already know well your first creation, why then do you not take heed? The verses (57-62) highlight Allah’s Power by describing human creation. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

8. نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَ 56:57) We have created you: will you not then testify about Our power of creation? ……..نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ These verses emphasize the power of Allah to initiate man’s creation, and his ability to recreate man on the Day of Judgement. The verse is addressed to those who deny the day of resurrection. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. خَلَقْنَاكُمْ Created you فَلَوْلَا Why not تُصَدِّقُونَ Testify the truth نحْنُ We

9. ……..فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَ 57 This verse asks: Then why don’t you testify that we are your God and we have the power to initiate your creation and to recreate you again on the day of judgement? أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُون 56:58) Have you ever considered the semen you discharge: أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَ 56:59) Is it you who create the child from it, or are We the Creator? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. تُمْنُون you emit تَخْلُقُونَهُ who create it الْخَالِقُونَ the Creators أَمْ or أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ Do you see

10. Allah(swt) poses the questions to the deniers that: Do you not see the semen you emit? Do you create a child out of it? Or are We its creators? Do you make semen remain in the wombs and create life from it therein, stage after stage? Analysis: (semen -> blood clot -> fetus lump -> Bone -> bone clothed with flesh -> respiratory, digestive, sensory). Allah(swt) asserts that it is he who is responsible for the gradual formation and development of the fetus in the mother womb into a perfect and unique person. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

11. نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ 56:60) It is We Who have ordained death among you and We are not helpless نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ ……… 60 Allah(swt) said: It is We who have ordained death to you all. Like your birth, your death is also under our control. ……….. وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِين 60 “We are not powerless” means Allah is fully capable and powerful. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. قَدَّرْنَا have decreed بَيْنَكُمُ Among you بِمَسْبُوقِينَ Are outrun الْمَوْتَ The death نَحْنُ we

12. عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ 56:61) in replacing you by others like yourselves or transforming you into beings that you do not know. ……….عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ Verse Implies that Allah(swt) is fully capable to replace you by others like yourselves. He has the power to replace them with others better than you. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. أَمْثَالَكُمْ like you نُنْشِئَكُمْ Produced you لَا not فِي In نُبَدِّلَ we will change تَعْلَمُونَ You know

13. ………وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُون 61 . The verse implies that Allah has the power to recreate you in another form or shape with different qualities and characteristics. He can raise man up in a world he knows not. Similarly in the other Surah of the Quran, Allah says about replacing of mankind إِنَّا لَقَادِرُونَ 70:40) That We have the power. عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ خَيْرًا مِنْهُمْ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِين 70:41) to destroy them and replace them with others better than them, and nothing can hinder Us from doing so. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

14. وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ 56:62) You already know well your first creation, why then do you not take heed? Allah(swt) created you from one stage to another stage in your mother’s womb and gave you hearing, sight and heart. Then why don’t you take heed that he who is able to create you in the beginning is quite capable to resurrect you to life after death. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. عَلِمْتُمُ you know النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ First creation تَذَكَّرُونَ Take heed

15. 2 nd proof The Creation of plants: أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ 56:63) Have you ever considered the seed that you sow in the ground? أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُون 56:64) Is it you who cause it to grow or are We the grower? لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ 56:65) If it be Our Will, We could crumble your harvest into chaff, and you would then be left in lamenting: إِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُون 56:66) “We are indeed left laden with debts, بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ 56:67) indeed we have been deprived from the fruits of our labor!" V erses (63-67) put forward a rational argument in support of life after death by drawing man’s attention to Allah’s power to create plants. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

16. أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ 56:63) Have you ever considered the seed that you sow in the ground? Do you not see what you sow? In reference to tilling the earth and planting seeds inside it. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. مَا What تَحْرُثُونَ You Sow أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ Do you see

17. أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ 56:64) Is it you who cause it to grow or are We the grower? أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ………. 64 Is it you who cause it to grow inside the earth? أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ ……… Or are we the grower? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. نَحْنُ Are we الزَّارِعُونَ Ones who grow اأَنْتُمْ Is it you 64

18. لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ 56:65) If it be Our Will, We could crumble your harvest into chaff, and you would then be left in lamenting: لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا 65 ………. If we willed, we could reduce your harvest to rubble (bits and pieces) by sending a strong wind or a hail storm. ………فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ 65. You would have been left baffled over the destruction of your blooming harvest. نَشَا We willed حُطَامًا Rubble if لوْ Baffled تَفَكَّهُونَ Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

19. إِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُونَ 56:66) "We are indeed left laden with debts. some would say we have been penalized and suffered a great loss. بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ 56:67) Indeed we have been deprived from the fruits of our labor. In fact, others would say we have been deprived of our livelihood. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. انَّا Indeed we Laden with debt لَمُغْرَمُونَ نَحْنُ We Are deprived مَحْرُومُونَ

20. The 3 rd Proof: Sweet Drinking Water: أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ 56:68) Have you ever considered the water which you drink? أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُونَ 56:69) Is it you who send it down from the clouds or are We the sender? لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ 56:70) If it be Our Will, We could turn it salty. Why then do you not give thanks? Verses (68-70) put forward a rational argument in support of life after death by drawing man’s attention to Allah’s (swt) great favour of sweet drinking water.

21. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ 56:68) Have you ever considered the water which you drink? Analysis Do you not see the water that you drink? It is Allah(swt) who has made arrangements for satisfying our thirst. Water is essential for all living beings on the earth. الْمَاءَ The water الَّذِي which Do you see أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ You drink تَشْرَبُونَ

22. أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُونَ 56:69) Is it you who send it down from the clouds or are We the sender? أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ 69 ……… Is it you who caused it to come down from the clouds? ………. أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُونَ 69 Or is it We who brought it down? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ Who send it down The rain clouds الْمُزْنِ نَحْنُ we Are the ones to send الْمُنْزِلُون

23. لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ 56:70) If it be Our Will, We could turn it salty. Why then do you not give thanks? Analysis لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا 70 ……….. If we willed, we could make it salty, undrinkable and unfit for growing plants. Your survival on Earth would become impossible. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. نَشَاءُ We Willed Salty أُجَاجًا لوْ we Then why are you not grateful فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ

24. ……..فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ 70 Why do you not appreciate Allah’s favour of sending down sweetwater ? How is it that while you derive so much benefit from this great blessing of Allah, you commit sins of disbelief in return? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

25. Similarly in the other Surah of the Quran, Allah(swt) says about sweet water هُوَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً ۖ لَكُمْ مِنْهُ شَرَابٌ وَمِنْهُ شَجَرٌ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ 16:11) It is He Who sends down water from the sky, which provides drinking water for you and brings forth fodder to pasture your cattle. ُينْبِتُ لَكُمْ بِهِ الزَّرْعَ وَالزَّيْتُونَ وَالنَّخِيلَ وَالْأَعْنَابَ وَمِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ 16:12) With it He grows for you crops, olives, date-palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit : surely there is a great sign in this for those who think. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

26. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. See water saltish Heat of sun causes water to evaporate Winds cause vapour to rise Vapors collect and form into cloud Upper atmosphere coolness vapors Change to water Animal Man Vegetation Sweet water Cloud Wind Sun Sea Salty water for marine creatures Rain

27. The 4 th Proof The Fire أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُونَ 56:71) Have you ever considered the fire that you kindle? أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْشِئُونَ 56:72) Is it you who grow the tree which feeds the fire or are We the grower? نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ 56:73) We have made it a reminder for man as to what would be the life without it, and a provision of life for the travellers of desert. فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ 56:74) So glorify the name of your Rabb, Who is the Greatest. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

28. V erses (71-74) put forward rational argument in support of life after death by drawing man’s attention to Allah(swt) great favour of fire. It is a source of light, heat and used for cooking food. It is a thing of great utility and beneficial to everyone. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

29. أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُون 56:71) Have you ever considered the fire that you kindle? Do you not see the fire which you kindle “And the fire you start with the use of trees”? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. النَّارَ The fire Which الَّتِي أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ Do you see You ignite تُورُون

30. أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْشِئُونَ 56:72) Is it you who grow the tree which feeds the fire or are We the grower? Analysis أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا 72 ……….. Is it you who made the tree to grow?  ………أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْشِئُونَ 72 . Or We are the Producer? Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. أَنْشَأْتُمْ Who produced Its Tree شَجَرَتَهَا نَحْنُ We Are the producers الْمُنْشِئُونَ امْ Or

31. Or are We the grower of the trees, who made the kindling of fire possible? The word “tree” here refers to two types of trees. One type of tree supplies wood for burning and the other type of tree is used to ignite a fire The Arabs had two kinds of trees, Al-Mark and Al-Afar, that they used to ignite a fire. When they would rub a green branch from each tree against each other, sparks of fire would emit from them. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

32. نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ 56:73) We have made it a reminder for man as to what would be the life without it, and a provision of life for the travellers of desert. Analysis نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً 73 ………. We have made it a reminder [of our infinite power, and of the fire of hell] Hadith Imam Malik recorded from Abu Huraira that Allah’s messenger said.. The fire that the children of Adam kindle is one of seventy parts of the fire of hell. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. جَعَلْنَاهَا Have made it A reminder تَذْكِرَةً مَتَاعًا A provision Needy or wayfarers لِلْمُقْوِينَ

33. …….وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ 73 Allah(swt) mentions this favour of fire which is beneficial to everyone. And a provision for the needy (traveler or hungry) فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ 56:74) So glorify the name of your Rabb, Who is the Greatest. Here at the end of the discussion, the prophet(saw) is directed to strongly adhere to his stance and proclaim the purity of the name of your lord, the magnificent. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

34. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Man’s Creation Harvest or Crop Water Fire أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُون أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُونَ Have you ever considered the semen you discharge: Have you ever considered the seed that you sow in the ground? Have you ever considered the water which you drink? Have you ever considered the fire that you kindle? Four Arguments of Allah’s Power and ability in the universe

35. Summary : In these arguments, man’s attention has been drawn to : 1) His own creation . 2) T he food that he eats. 3) T he water that he drinks. 4) The fire on which he cooks his food. These arguments have been presented to man to ponder and reflect on these questions. These arguments prove that Allah (swt) has an absolute power to recreate you once again on the day of judgment. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

36. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Replace or transform man Destruction of harvest Salty water Fire a means of remembrance وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِين عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ We are not helpless in replacing you by others like yourselves or transforming you into beings that you do not know . If we willed, we could crumble your harvest into chaff and you would then be left lamenting If we will ed we could make it salty will you not then give thank We made it a reminder and a provision for the needy If Allah wills He could destroy man’s existence on the earth but his mercy prevails over his wrath

37. Analysis: In the previous verses, manifestations of Allah’s power and wisdom have been highlighted. If Allah willed, he could replace you or transform you into other form or shape. If Allah willed, he could destroy your harvest. If Allah willed, he could make the water salty. If Allah willed, you couldn’t benefit from the fire. Allah(swt) reminds mankind of the favours and bounties that he is freely enjoying in the world, without expressing gratitude to Allah. Allah(swt) warns that if he withdraws his favours of vegetation, water and fire , man ’s existence on earth become impossible. Section-6 The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement.

38. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

39. فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ أَفَبِهَٰذَا الْحَدِيثِ أَنْتُمْ مُدْهِنُونَ وَتَجْعَلُونَ رِزْقَكُمْ أَنَّكُمْ تُكَذِّبُونَ Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . In the v erses(75-82), Allah has sworn on the position of the stars as a response to the disbelievers’ false accusation against the Quran.

40. Background: The disbelievers of Makkah were raising the following objections with regards to the Quran. They regarded the Quran: a) To be speech inspired by the devil. b) To be forged by Prophet(saw). c) To be the word of a poet. d) To be the discourse of soothsayers. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .

41. Similarly in the other Surah of the Quran, Allah(swt) refuted the false accusation against the Quran. وَمَا تَنَزَّلَتْ بِهِ الشَّيَاطِينُ 26:210) This Qur'an is not brought down by the shaitans: It was not the devil who brought down this Quran. وَمَا كَانَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ أَنْ يُفْتَرَىٰ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ   10:37) This Qur'an is not such as could be produced by anyone other than Allah. This Quran could not be produced by anyone other than Allah(swt). Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .

42. وَمَا هُوَ بِقَوْلِ شَاعِرٍ 69:41) is it not the word of a poet. It is not the word of a poet. وَلَا بِقَوْلِ كَاهِنٍ 69:42) nor it is the word of a soothsayer. Nor is it the Discourse of the Soothsayer. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .

43. فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُوم 56:75) I swear by the setting of the stars. وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ 56:76) And it is indeed a mighty oath if you but knew it. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . أُقْسِمُ I swear  the stars لَقَسَمٌ surely an oath عَظِيمٌ great فَلَا But nay النُّجُوم you know تَعْلَمُونَ

44. Analysis: It is a great oath that Allah(swt) is swearing by. The oath is taken to prove the greatness of the Quran. No! I swear by the position of the stars in the sky. Allah dispels the the disbelievers’ allegations against the Quran (magic, poetry, sorcery). And confirms that it is an honourable Quran. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran.

45. إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ 56:77) that this is indeed a Glorious Qur'an. Analysis The swearing of Allah, by the position of the stars, was to emphasize the Glory of the Quran. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .  Indeed عَظِيمٌ Noble إِنَّهُ A Quran لَقُرْآنٌ

46. It is a book of the code of life in which detailed guidance has been given about every aspect of the human life such as: Morals Modes of worship Economic and social life Law and justice Peace and War Civilization and culture Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .

47. فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ 56:78) inscribed in a well-guarded Book. لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ 56:79) which none can touch except the purified (angels). Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . مَكْنُونٍ Well guarded Touch it يَمَسُّهُ The purified الْمُطَهَّرُونَ

48. Analysis: كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ means a written scripture hidden in a well guarded book - i.e. ( لوح محفوظ ). It is a book with the Almighty Allah in the heavens. No one except his pure angels have access to it. No Devil and Jinn can come near it due to strict security arrangement adopted in the heaven after the advent of the holy Prophet(saw).

49. تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ 56:80) A revelation from the Rabb of the worlds. Analysis The verse implies that the Quran is the revelation from the lord of the universe. It is not magic, sorcery, poetry or forgery as the disbelievers claimed. Rather it is the truth beyond any doubt. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . تَنْزِيلٌ A revelation The Lord رَبِّ Of the worlds الْعَالَمِينَ from مِنْ

50. أَفَبِهَٰذَا الْحَدِيثِ أَنْتُمْ مُدْهِنُونَ 56:81) Would you scorn a scripture such as this. Analysis Al-Awfi reported from Ibn Abbas(rta) that مدهنون ] means “you don’t believe and deny.” The ayah mentions the exaltedness of the Quran and Allah being its sender. Immediately after, Allah poses a question to the disbelievers that: Do t hey still consider it unworthy of serious attention and deny its due importance? Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran .

51. وَتَجْعَلُونَ رِزْقَكُمْ أَنَّكُمْ تُكَذِّبُونَ 56:82) and make it's denying a means of your livelihood? Analysis Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn Abbas that he recited it as: وتَجْعَلُونَ شُكْرَكُمْ أنَّكُم تُكَذِّبُونَ “ And you show of your gratitude by denying.” It means that the disbelievers are showing a degrading attitude toward the Quran and rejecting Allah’s revelation carelessly. A regret is expressed as to how unfortunate they are. Instead of deriving benefit from this great book and showing gratitude to Allah, they deny it. Section-7 Allah swears the greatness of the Quran . تَجْعَلُونَ You make deny تُكَذِّبُونَ Your provision رِزْقَكُمْ

52. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

53. فَلَوْلَا إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُومَ وَأَنْتُمْ حِينَئِذٍ تَنْظُرُونَ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ فَلَوْلَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ غَيْرَ مَدِينِينَ تَرْجِعُونَهَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death. V erses(83-87) present a rational argument for r esurrection through the scenes of a dying person.

54. فَلَوْلَا إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُومَ 56:83) Why is it not then that when you see a dying person's soul come up to his throat. وَأَنْتُمْ حِينَئِذٍ تَنْظُرُونَ 65:84) while you are helplessly watching. Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death.   it reaches تَنْظُرُونَ Look on حِينَئِذٍ At that time بَلَغَت The throat الْحُلْقُومَ

55. Analysis: Allah(swt) challenges the deniers of truth that if they consider themselves to be very powerful, then why do they not intervene when the soul reaches the throat at the time of death? If there is no supreme power over you and there is no God, then why don’t you restore the dying person of his soul? It shows that Allah(swt) has complete control over man’s life and death and that nobody can escape from the his divine grasp. Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death.

56. وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تُبْصِرُون 56:85) And at that time We are nearer to him than you, although you cannot see Us. Analysis: The angel of death claims a dying person’s soul in front of his loved ones and no one can stop him. Through our angels, we are closer to the dying person than you are, but you cannot see them. Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death.  are nearer لَا تُبْصِرُون You don’t see وَلَٰكِنْ but أَقْرَبُ To him إِلَيْهِ

57. Similarly in the other surah of the Quran, Allah says about the angel of death حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ 6:61) when death approaches anyone of you, Our angels take his soul and they are not negligent in performing their duty. Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death.

58. فَلَوْلَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ غَيْرَ مَدِينِينَ 56:86) Then why do you not - if you claim you are not subject to reckoning. تَرْجِعُونَهَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ 56:87) restore to the dying person his soul? Answer this, if what you say be true! Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death. صَادِقِين Truthful To be subservient مَدِينِينَ

59. Analysis In these verses, man has been warned that he may brag and boast as he likes, and he may shut his eyes to the truth but death is enough to open his eyes. Said bin Jubayr and Hasan Al-Basri(rta) said about. فلولا إن كنتم غير مدينين “If you don’t believe that you will be reckoned, recompensed and punished, then why do you not return this soul to its body”. Section-8 The scenes of the Stupor of death.

60. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

61. فَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ فَرَوْحٌ وَرَيْحَانٌ وَجَنَّتُ نَعِيمٍ وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ فَسَلَامٌ لَكَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ الضَّالِّينَ فَنُزُلٌ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ وَتَصْلِيَةُ جَحِيمٍ Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people. V erses 88-94 portray the conditions of three types of people upon their death.

62. These verses point out to the fact that people should not remain under the misconception that once a person dies everything will end. The fact of the matter is that the real phase of enternal life will commence upon death. U pon their death, There are three categories that people will be divided into: Either They are from the foremost believers who are very close to Allah. Or They are from the people of right hand who are lesser in rank than the foremost believers but a righteous believer . Or they are from the people of left hand who are denier and misguided . Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people.

63. In the beginning of the Surah, it was mentioned that there will be three categories of the people in regard to their reward and punishment in the hereafter. The very gist of the subject i s again summarized at the end of the Surah. Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people.

64. 1) The Foremost Believers: فَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِين 56:88) Then if the dying person is one of those near to Us, فَرَوْحٌ وَرَيْحَانٌ وَجَنَّتُ نَعِيمٍ 56:89) for him there is comfort and bounty, and a garden of bliss. If the dying person is among the foremost believers, he will receive gardens of delights where he will find rest , provision happiness . Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people. those brought near جَنَّتُ نَعِيمٍ a Pleasure garden الْمُقَرَّبِين Then rest and bounty فَرَوْحٌ وَرَيْحَانٌ

65. 2) The people from The Right Hand: وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ 56:90) And if he be one of the right hand, فَسَلَامٌ لَكَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ 56:91) He is greeted with salutation: "Peace be upon you," from those of the right hand. If the dying person is from the people of right hand , he will receive salutation (peace be on you) from God and his angels . The angel will give him glad tiding of paradise, therein he will fulfill all his desires. Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people. If إِن For you لَكَ أَصْحَابِ Companion And وَأَمَّا Then Peace فَسَلَامٌ

66. 3) The people from The Left Hand: وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ الضَّالِّين 56:92) And if he is one of the mistaken rejecters. فَنُزُلٌ مِنْ حَمِيم 56:93) he is welcomed with scalding water. وَتَصْلِيَةُ جَحِيمٍ 56:94) and burning in hellfire. Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people. The hospitality فَنُزُلٌ The Deniers الْمُكَذِّبِينَ The Astray الضَّالِّين حَمِيم Boiling water جَحِيمٍ Hell fire

67. If the dying person is from the people of left hand (the denier and deviant one) then he will be in the blazing fire of hell, which will engulf him from every direction. H e will be served with boiling water and thorny tree of Zaqqum . Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people.

68. The foremost in rank The People Of The Right The People of the Left فَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ الضَّالِّينَ Such person will have serenity, fragrance and a garden of Bliss Greeting to you from the people of the right - He is welcomed with the greeting of peace from the lord and angels He is welcomed with boiling water to drink and burning in hellfire Section-9 The recompense of three classes of people. فَرَوْحٌ وَرَيْحَانٌ وَجَنَّتُ نَعِيمٍ (91 فَسَلَامٌ لَكَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ فَنُزُلٌ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ وَتَصْلِيَةُ جَحِيمٍ End End End

69. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

70. Section-10 The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ حَقُّ الْيَقِينِ 56:95) Surely this is an absolute truth. Analysis This verse highlights the absolute certainty of the day of resurrection, and the rewards and punishments based on a person’s belief and deeds. There is no doubt about its occurrence. There is no escape from it for anyone. There are three level of “ يَقِين ” mentioned in the Quran. [At-Takathur, Waqiah]. علم اليقين عين اليقين حق اليقين

71. حق اليقن The highest degree Reality of certainty عين اليقين 2 nd Degree Eyes of certainty علم اليقن 1 st Degree Knowledge of certainty Section-10 The truthfulness of the day of resurrection.

72. 1 st Degree The Knowledge of Certainty( علم اليقن ) - you have read or heard abou t Kaaba 2 nd Degree The eyes of certainty( عين اليقين ) - when you go to Makkah , you have seen the Kaaba from a distance 3 rd Degree The reality of certainty ( حق اليقن ) - when you go inside the Kaaba , it is the highest degree of Yaqeen Section-10 The truthfulness of the day of resurrection.

73. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

74. فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ 56:96) Therefore, glorify the name of your Rabb, Who is the Greatest. Analysis: The verse urges the Prophet(saw) to exercise patience and glorify the name of your Lord. Uqbah bin Amir Juhni relates that when this verse was sent down, the Prophet(saw) commanded that people put it in their Ruku. They should recite Subhana- Rabbi-al-Azim in the position of ruku in their prayer. Section-11 The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah .

75. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

76. فَلَوْلَا إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُوم 56:83) Why is it not then that when you see a dying person's soul come up to his throat. Can you imagine the helplessness when death will approach? We will have our relatives, friends and doctor around, but they won’t be able to stop death. They will take us to our new home - the grave. Aren't we so helpless and weak compared to our creator? Section-12 Ayah for Tadabbur.

77. فَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِين 56:88) Then if the dying person is one of those near to Us. وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ 56:90) And if he be one of the right hand. وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ الضَّالِّينَ 65:92) And if he is one of the mistaken rejecters. Section-12 Ayah for Tadabbur.

78. Upon death, w hat category of people would we like to be with? The foremost in faith. The righteous believer. Denier and misguided . Point Of Reflection We always aim high but merely wishing for something and not making a serious effort will not do any good. We have to strive hard in this worldly life to be successful in the life hereafter. Section-12 Ayah for Tadabbur.

79. وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ 56:76) And it is indeed a mighty oath if you but knew it. فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ 56:78) inscribed in a well-guarded Book. أَفَبِهَٰذَا الْحَدِيثِ أَنْتُمْ مُدْهِنُونَ 56:81) Would you scorn a scripture such as this. Point of Reflection: Allah(swt) has sworn by the greatness of the Quran then poses a question: how then you take this message lightly? You don’t consider it worthy to reflect and ponder on? You don’t practice what you learn? Section-12 Ayah for Tadabbur.

80. TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Surah Al-Waqia. The Scenes from the day of judgement. The reward of the foremost in faith. The reward of the people on Right hand. The punishment of the people of left hand. The arguments of the occurrence of the day of judgement. Allah swears the greatness of the Quran  . The scenes of the Stupor of death. The recompense of three classes of people. The truthfulness of the day of resurrection. The instruction to the Prophet to glorify Allah . Ayah for Tadabbur. Take Away message.

81. Strive to earn Allah’s Reward in the hereafter The majority of the surah is dedicated to describing the favours and bounties of Allah (swt), which has been reserved for the righteous believers - this should be our aim and objective . Protect from hell fire and its punishment Another objective is to protect ourselves and our families from the scorching winds , boiling water , shade of black smoke and tree of ZAQQUM reserved for the dwellers of hell. We can achieve our objective provided we: Seek repentance from Allah (swt) for our sins and error. B e mindful of the consequences of the hereafter. N ot be deluded by the comfort, ease and luxury of this worldly life. Section-12 Take Away message.

82. Express Gratitude to Allah’s Blessing in this worldly life. We should be grateful to Allah for all his blessings and favours (food, fire, water and others). Ponder and Reflect On Quran We should reflect and ponder seriously on the Quran and put it into practice. It is our guide and healing for ailing hearts . Section-12 Take Away message.

83. Work Cited All the narrative have been cited from the following:   1) Tafseer Ibn Katheer  2) Tafheem ul Quran  3) Maarif ul Quran  4) Tadabbur i Quran 5) www.alim.0rg (translation of Malik and Kattab). Edited by Osama Ahsan, Shaharyar Ahsan and Shagufta Tariq.