Chapter 50 - 37
Qaaf (Surah Al-Qaf)
(45 verses in total; revealed in Early Makkah Time – 4th year of prophethood)
[Recitation]
This chapter exposes in remarkable details the events that unfolds with resurrection and initiation of the Day of Judgement. This was something that neither the prophet nor the people of Makkah were informed in the past and for that matter the rest of humanity – until this revelation. Even the Torah or the Bible does not contain such narratives.
Key themes in this medium size chapter are as follows:
The notion of resurrection should not be any more surprising than the fact the God sends messengers from among the people (not angels) and from their own communities
The sky, the earth, the cloud, the vegetation – all points to God and shows how resurrection can occur, since it is the natural order of things
God is aware of all things, every act and thoughts of human beings – having angels witnessing and documenting our works while God is intimately aware of inner thoughts behind every act
Reality of afterlife will become evident with death and resurrection and each person will be driven by an angel and witness by his own record
Life and death are ordained and controlled by God and we have no escape but to come back to God for accountability
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
QAAF! The Noble Qur’an!
Do they wonder at the presence of a warner from among themselves? The disbelievers say, “This is strange! When we are dead and turn to dust – that is far removed (from coming back).” Whereas God surely knows what and how the earth diminishes of their presence. With God is a record that preserves! They reject the truth as it comes to them – they are in a state of constant confusion! (v. 1-5)
Do they not look at the sky above – how We have constructed it, embellished it and without any deformity? And the earth, how We had spread it, put firm mountains in it and caused all kinds of growth – beautiful, nourishing, and pleasant! These are evidence and a reminder for every soul that turns to God! (v. 6-8)
We send down from clouds rains full of blessings. Then We cause the growth of gardens, grains to harvest, tall palm trees with spiked flowers stacked one above the other – as sustenance for people to serve God. This is how We give life to a dead land – this is how resurrection to occur! (v. 9-11)
Before these people, there were the people of Noah, the inhabitants of Rass, Thamud, A’d, Pharaoh, brethren of Lot, the dwellers of thicket and people of Tubba – they all rejected their messengers. So, My threat was carried out. (v. 12-14)
Are We fatigued or weary of the first creation? See, now they doubt its renewal (resurrection)! We created humankind and We know what’s in their inner minds – We are closer to them than their jugular veins, as the two receivers receive, situated to the right and to the left – not a word one utters but there is an ever-ready guard at hand.
The agony of death comes and exposes the truth with it, something you wish to avoid. The trumpet is blown and there comes the Day of Threat – every person comes forth accompanied by a driver and a witness!1 You were unmindful of this reality, but now We have removed the filter, and your vision is sharp on this day. His attendants will say – here is the final outcome!2 (v. 15-23)
Cast into Hell – every denier and rebel against (God), forbidder of good, transgressor of (moral) bounds, doubter (of resurrection), who assigned partnership with God – cast all to the torment! His (evil) companion will say, “My Lord, I did not cause him to rebel, but he himself was straying far (from truth and justice).” God will say, “Dispute not in My presence; I did send My threat ahead of time. My Word cannot be changed, and I am not the least bit unjust to any creature.”
We will ask Hell, “Are you full?” It will reply, “Are there more?” (v. 24-30)
The Garden will be brought close to those who acted responsibly (muttaquin) – it will no longer be far off, a promise to those who always turn to God while protecting themselves (from evils), who are mindful of God in their private moments and comes (to God) with a heart full of devotion. “Come in peace! This is the day of real and lasting existence!” Here they have all they wish and with Us (God) there is even more! (v. 31-35)
How many generations have We removed before them, who were even more powerful than these, as they traversed the land – yet is there a place of refuge (from God)? We created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six periods without any touch of being tired.
So, bear patiently what they say and glorify the praise of your Cherisher God before the rising of the sun and before its setting. Glorify him at night and after every devotional prayer (sujud). (v. 36-40)
Wait for the day when a caller will call out from a near place – that is the day when they will hear the call in truth, that is the day when they will come out (of graves). Indeed, We (God) give life and cause death and to Us is the final coming – the day when the earth cleaves to let them out – all rushing forth, a gathering that is easy for Us!
We know best what they say. You (Prophet) are not to force them. Remind with this Qur’an, one who is mindful of this threat! (v. 42-45)
1Could also be his primal urge for evils (driver) and his consciousness for goodness (witness).
2His own self-assessment or declaration by accompanying angels
[Recitation]
