Chapter 79 - 65
Enforcers (Surah Al-Naziat)
(46 verses in total; Late Makkan, 2 years before Hijrah)
This chapter focus on the unknown such as the onset of Resurrection (“Hour”) which only God has knowledge of, and which will be enforced by forces and hosts (angels) who carry out such orders in forceful manner.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
· The Resurrection will occur in a terrifying manner that will shake all – the heavens, the earth and the creatures, including human beings, on this earth
· The deniers will be in a state of shock and awe realizing that what was denied was imploding on them with force they cannot overcome
· Moses and Pharaoh are mentioned briefly to remind the deniers that their fate will be the same as Pharaoh, one of the most powerful kings in human history
· God shaped the heavens and the earth to meet our needs but the deniers reject the truth thereby proving their ungratefulness and facing its consequence
In the name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
The enforcers1 – forceful!
Forward – cheerful!
Sweeping – rapidly!
Overtaking, stretching utmost!
Regulating affairs! (v. 1-5)
The day that makes the convulsant tremble
The consequences manifest
The hearts agitate
The eyes downcast! (v. 6-9)
“Are we going to be restored?
To our first state?” They say!
“Even after we become rotten and bones?
Oh, that will be a devastating return!”
Aye, it will be a single blast!
And lo! You are all awaken! (v. 10-14)
Has the narrative of Moses reached you?
His Sustainer God call on him in the sacred valley of Tuwa
“Go to Pharaoh – He has transgressed all limits!”
Tell him, “Will you purify yourself?
Let me guide you to your Sustainer God
That you may hold God in awe!”
Moses showed Pharaoh the evidence awe-inspiring
But he refused and disobeyed
Hurriedly gathered his people to proclaim
“I am your god, the Supreme!”
God seized him then
To face the consequences of this life and the life to come!
There are lessons – if you stand in awe of God! (v. 15-26)
What is more difficult?
Creating you or the heavens?
God made the heavens
Extending its height and making it consonant!
Making the night with its darkness
And the morning brightness dispels it!
God fashioned the earth after that
Bringing out of it its water and its pasture
Mountains firmly established
For you and for your cattle to nourish! (v. 27-33)
When the terrifying calamity manifests itself
Humankind will remember their pursuits in life
Hell will become visible for them to see (v. 34-36)
Those who were arrogant
Prioritized the enjoyment of this life
Hell will become the new residence
While those who were in awe of God
Acted responsibly against their base desires
Will find the Garden as their new residence (v. 37-41)
They ask – when will the Hour2 take place?
How can you (Prophet) talk of something
That only God can ascertain.
You can only caution those who stand in awe of God!
The day the Hour will appear to them
They will think – how long have I lived – an evening or a morning? (v. 42-46)
1There has been various interpretation of what these verses metaphorically refers to – angels carrying out commands of God, including taking of life or celestial bodies transforming continuously as God had ordained or battleground where peace is restored through violence of one group by another and perhaps the final triumph of good over evil.
2The Hour is primarily a reference to the Day of Resurrection but could also imply the moment of death or departure from this earthly life
