Understanding Surah Al-Qariah Meaning & Significance
Surah Al-Qariah Introduction
Surah Al-Qariah is the 101st chapter of the Quran. The term “Al-Qariah” means “The Striking Calamity.” It refers to the Day of Judgment. This Surah describes the chaos of the Last Day. It stresses the importance of the weighing of deeds. The Surah is a strong reminder of the Hereafter and the final judgment for all humanity.
Surah Al-Qariah Meaning
Surah Al-Qariah focuses on the Day of Judgment. It highlights the seriousness and uncertainty of that day. Worldly possessions and status will not matter. What truly counts are one’s deeds. These deeds will be weighed to decide one’s fate in the Hereafter. The Surah urges believers to reflect on their actions. It calls them to prepare for this unavoidable day.
Surah Al-Qariah Core Message
The key message of Surah Al-Qariah is to prepare for the Day of Judgment. It warns against thinking that worldly success equals success in the Hereafter. The Surah stresses that deeds will be weighed. This will decide whether one goes to Paradise or Hell.
Surah Al-Qariah Historical Context
Surah Al-Qariah was revealed in Mecca during the early days of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission. The people of Mecca at that time were focused on wealth and status. This Surah reminded them that worldly gains are meaningless on the Day of Judgment. Only righteous deeds will matter.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Qariah
The Severity of the Day of Judgment
Surah Al-Qariah gives a clear picture of the chaos on the Last Day. It stresses the unpredictability of that day and its massive impact. The Surah encourages believers to remember this day and prepare for it with good deeds.
The Weighing of Deeds
A key lesson from Surah Al-Qariah is the weighing of deeds. On the Day of Judgment, everyone’s deeds will be weighed. This will decide their fate. This reminds us that our actions in this life have lasting consequences.
The Irrelevance of Worldly Possessions
Surah Al-Qariah teaches that on the Day of Judgment, wealth and status will have no value. Only the weight of one’s good deeds will matter. This lesson warns against getting too attached to material things and forgetting spiritual duties.
Accountability in the Hereafter
The Surah highlights the idea of accountability in Islam. It reminds believers that they will be held responsible for their actions. The consequences of these actions will last forever. This encourages a life of mindfulness and devotion to Allah.
The Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Qariah
Reminder of the Day of Judgment
Reciting Surah Al-Qariah helps believers stay aware of the Day of Judgment. It is a constant reminder of the Hereafter and the need to prepare for it.
Encouragement to Focus on Good Deeds
The Surah urges believers to focus on doing good deeds instead of chasing worldly gains. It promotes a balanced life where spiritual duties come first.
Protection from Complacency
By describing the Last Day vividly, Surah Al-Qariah helps prevent believers from becoming complacent. It serves as a wake-up call to stay devoted to Allah’s commands.
Verses of Surah Al-Qariah in Arabic, Translation, and Tafseer
Verse 1
Arabic: الْقَارِعَةُ
Transliteration: Al-Qariah
Translation: The Striking Calamity
Explanation:
This verse introduces the Surah by referring to the Day of Judgment as “The Striking Calamity.” It highlights the sudden and overwhelming nature of that day.
Verse 2
Arabic: مَا الْقَارِعَةُ
Transliteration: Ma al-Qariah
Translation: What is the Striking Calamity?
Explanation:
This verse asks a rhetorical question to emphasize the enormity of the Day of Judgment, urging reflection on its significance.
Verse 3
Arabic: وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْقَارِعَةُ
Transliteration: Wa ma adraaka ma al-Qariah
Translation: And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity?
Explanation:
This verse stresses the incomprehensible nature of the Day of Judgment, suggesting that its reality is beyond human understanding.
Verse 4
Arabic: يَوْمَ يَكُونُ النَّاسُ كَالْفَرَاشِ الْمَبْثُوثِ
Transliteration: Yawma yakoonu al-nasu ka-al-farashi al-mabthooth
Translation: It is the Day when people will be like moths, dispersed.
Explanation:
This verse shows the chaotic state of people on the Day of Judgment. They will be scattered like moths, aimless and confused.
Verse 5
Arabic: وَتَكُونُ الْجِبَالُ كَالْعِهْنِ الْمَنفُوشِ
Transliteration: Watakoonu al-jibalu ka-al-ihni al-manfoush
Translation: And the mountains will be like wool, fluffed up.
Explanation:
This verse describes the mountains, which are symbols of stability, being reduced to weightless wool. It shows the complete upheaval of the natural world on the Last Day.
Verse 6
Arabic: فَأَمَّا مَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَازِينُهُ
Transliteration: Fa-amma man thaqulat mawazeenuhu
Translation: Then as for one whose scales are heavy [with good deeds],
Explanation:
This verse states that those whose good deeds outweigh their bad ones will succeed on the Day of Judgment.
Verse 7
Arabic: فَهُوَ فِي عِيشَةٍ رَّاضِيَةٍ
Transliteration: Fahuwa fee ‘eeshatin radiya
Translation: He will be in a pleasant life.
Explanation:
The verse promises that those with heavy scales of good deeds will enjoy a life of contentment in Paradise as a reward.
Verse 8
Arabic: وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَازِينُهُ
Transliteration: Wa amma man khaffat mawazeenuhu
Translation: But as for one whose scales are light,
Explanation:
This verse warns that those whose good deeds are too few will face severe consequences.
Verse 9
Arabic: فَأُمُّهُ هَاوِيَةٌ
Transliteration: Fa-ummuhu hawiyah
Translation: His refuge will be an abyss.
Explanation:
This verse describes the fate of those who failed to prepare for the Day of Judgment. Their final home will be the Hellfire.
Verse 10
Arabic: وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا هِيَهْ
Transliteration: Wa ma adraaka ma hiya
Translation: And what can make you know what that is?
Explanation:
This rhetorical question emphasizes the severity and incomprehensibility of Hell, highlighting the need to avoid such a fate.
Verse 11
Arabic: نَارٌ حَامِيَةٌ
Transliteration: Naarun hamiyah
Translation: It is a Fire, intensely hot.
Explanation:
The final verse concludes with a chilling description of Hell as an intensely hot fire, serving as a final warning to those who neglect their spiritual duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many verses are in Surah Al-Qariah?
Surah Al-Qariah consists of 11 verses.
What is the main theme of Surah Al-Qariah?
The main theme of Surah Al-Qariah is the Day of Judgment, its catastrophic events, and the weighing of deeds that will determine one’s fate in the Hereafter.
Why was Surah Al-Qariah revealed?
Surah Al-Qariah was revealed to remind the Meccan society, which was focused on worldly gains, of the inevitability of the Day of Judgment and the importance of preparing for it through righteous deeds.
What benefits are there in reciting Surah Al-Qariah?
Reciting Surah Al-Qariah helps believers remain mindful of the Day of Judgment, encourages them to focus on good deeds, and protects them from becoming overly attached to worldly possessions.