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Section I: Early Makkan Chapters (610 – 615 CE)

Chapter 75 - 11

Resurrection (Surah Al-Qiyamah)

(40 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan period)

[Recitation]

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

[Recitation]