Chapter 81 - 15
The Enfolding (Surah Al-Takwir)
(29 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan period)
This chapter, like many later revelations begins the process of exposing the physical transformation of the known universe at the beginning of resurrection and the initiation of the Day of Judgement – both of which will be shock the deniers, the polytheists and the agnostics. Such transformation will also affect human beings by bringing them face to face with afterlife and the consequences that await them for their injustice and refusal to accept God as the sole sovereign of this universe that we are part of and being nurtured by.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
The process of resurrection will start by physical upheaval and the total disruption of the known order of the universe where the sun and stars will lose their lights, mountain will implode, the seas will rise and living beings will be distraught
Every act of injustice done by one human being to another will be questioned and accounted for including the Arab practice of infanticide for baby girls, accepted as norm at the time
Paradise and Hell will be brought to view and people will know that they have no choice but to be ready for the consequences they were warned off and inspired to
People are reminded to pay attention to this Prophet who hears and conveys the revelations, who does not speak for himself but from God, a Reminder that is for all of humanity, not just for Prophet’s immediate tribes in Arabia or his generation
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
When the sun is folded up
When the stars become dark
When mountains are set to move
When pregnant camels are left unattended
When all wild beasts are gathered
When the seas boil over (v. 1-6)
When souls are sorted
When the baby girl buried alive is asked –
For what sin she was killed (v. 7-9)
When the records of deeds are opened
When the covering of heaven is stripped away
When the fire of Hell is set ablaze
And the Paradise is brought near
Every soul will know its readiness (v. 10-14)
I (God) swear by the stars
Receding, running their courses and hiding
The night as it diminishes
The day as it softly brightens! (v. 15-18)
This, indeed, is the Word from a Noble Messenger (Gabriel)
Mighty and esteemed in the presence of God
Listened to (by other angels) and faithful (to God) (v. 19-21)
You companion (Prophet) is not delusional
He truly saw him (Gabriel) on the clear horizon
He does not withhold what was revealed to him from beyond
Neither it is a word from the devil rejected (v. 22-25)
So, where are you heading?
This Reminder is but for all of humanity
Whoever so desire, let them find the straight path
But you will not, unless God so wills
The Cherisher of the Universe! (v. 26-29)
