Chapter 75 - 11
Resurrection (Surah Al-Qiyamah)
(40 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan period)
This chapter calls for attention to the rising after death in preparation for the Day of Judgement and ask a series of rhetorical questions as to why deniers think that resurrection is not possible while they see and experience human reproduction from sperm and egg, accountability in this life and the ever-approaching death which will reveal the truth of afterlife.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
God will resurrect life after death, so self-awareness is critical of such possibility and our vulnerability
Nature as we know it – the earth, the sun, the moon – all will transform and so will our own condition, our vision and our senses of the impending transition with no escape but to come face to face with God
Our own creation in the mother’s womb and determination of our gender are pointing to the capabilities of God and serves as evidence that resurrection after death is possible and pre-ordained, whether we accept or not
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
(Need)I (God) swear by the Day of Resurrection (qiyamah)?
Or by the soul that is self-aware?
Does people think that We shall not put their bones together?
In fact, We (God) can put together even their fingertips! (v. 1-4)
Clearly people want to deny what is ahead of them
They (even) ask, “When is the Day of Resurrection?”
Yet, when the eyes are baffled
The moon darkens
The sun and the moon are gathered
Same people will say then, “Where to escape?” (v. 5-10)
Well, there is no refuge
Except with your Cherisher God
that is where to find respite on that Day!
People will be informed on that Day
What they deposited – the first and the last
In fact, people will witness against themselves
Though they will put up excuses (v. 11-15)
(O Prophet) Do not rush with your tongue (to memorize)!1
We oversee collection of it and its recitation
When We recite, follow its recitation (calmly)!
(Rest assured) it is on Us (God) to explain as well! (v. 16-19)
(O People) you love the present life
And neglect the life to come!
Some faces will be bright and joyous
As they gaze their Sustainer
While other faces will be grim
With recognition that a great calamity awaits them (v. 20-25)
See, when it (a soul) comes up to the throat
It is asked, “Who will save you now?”
It realizes – it is the time to depart
As their legs are bound together (inside shroud)
On that day, the driving will be to your Cherisher God
They did not accept the truth
Nor worshipped (God)
They rejected
Rebelled
Then went to their people conceited and arrogant (v. 26-33)
(Death) comes nearer to you and still nearer
Again, nearer to you and ever closing in
Do they think that they will be left alone?
Were they not a product of semen transmitted?
Then they attach (in the womb)
God creates and shapes them (as a baby)
Determines two kinds – male and female
Is God not capable of giving life back to the dead? (v. 27-40)
1Similar verse 20:114
