Al-Qiyama (ٱلْقِيَامَة)

Surah Al-Qiyama (الْقِيَامَة), the 75th chapter of the Quran, talks about the promised day in detail. This surah is part of 29th para (juz) with 40 verses and 2 ruku. It is a word to the wise warning for the day of resurrection when no one will be rescued from the fair judgment of the Almighty. This surah is a wake-up call for everyone busy in the world's affairs. It addresses the disbelievers who deny the Hereafter. In every verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ challenges them to look deeply at His power and glory and see how He made the universe and How He will collapse it on the Final day. 

The surah employs vivid imagery and powerful rhetoric to paint a picture of the terrifying yet awe-inspiring events that will unfold on the Day of Judgment. It is not only a warning to humans that they take care of their actions, but it is also a hopeful message to return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and ask for His forgiveness. 

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

It is unanimously believed by scholars that Surah Al-Qiyamah was revealed sometime during the early days of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. It is also a consensus among the Quran Commentators that there is no specific incident or event associated with the revelation of this Surah. But the subject matter and theme of this Surah clearly evidence that it was revealed during the early days of the Prophet's mission in Mecca. Till that time, the main objection of the disbelievers was the concept of resurrection and the Day of Final Judgment. Despite repeated preaching and hot discussions by the Prophet with the disbelievers of Quraysh, they could not apprehend or perhaps were not inclined to accept the reality of the final day and resurrection. In this context, they used to mockingly say how a dead person can be resurrected when even their bones have completely degenerated. This specific objection of the disbelievers has been addressed in many earlier verses of the Quran.

The subject and theme of this Surah suggest that it was revealed specifically to address the following two misconceptions or objections of the disbelievers:

• They were outrightly rejecting the concept of life after death (resurrection)
• They were also rejecting the occurrence of “Qiayamah” and the Day of Judgment and accountability on that Day.

The Surah specifically addresses all such misconceptions of Quraysh. It categorically confirms the certainty of the Day of Judgment, when every dead person will be resurrected. It is clarified in this Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has created humans, and He is equally capable of resurrecting them on the Day of Qiyamah; it is not difficult for Him.

While the Surah was specifically revealed to address the skepticism of the disbelievers, four verses (verses 16 to 19) of this Surah deal with a separate matter, i.e., the integrity of revelations. These four verses are directly addressed to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, answering his concern about memorizing the Quran. The Surah assures him that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will guide the recitation and preservation of His revelations/verses. In these verses, the Prophet is advised by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ not to make haste in memorizing the revelations, as it is Our responsibility to have it memorized and read. Going further, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ also tells the Prophet that you just need to listen to the recital carefully and that explaining its meaning is Our responsibility. The reason behind sending down these verses was that till the time of the revelation of this Surah, the Prophet was not used to receiving revelations with comfort. He used to try to memorize the revelations at the same time while these were being conveyed to him through the Angel Jibril. After the revelation of this part of the Surah, the Prophet started feeling comfortable with the process of revelations. This incident is also reported in Hadith 448a of Sahih Muslim.

Translation - Move not thy tongue therewith" (Ixxv. 16) that when Gabriel brought revelation to him (the Holy Prophet), he moved his tongue and lips (with a view to committing it to memory instantly). This was something hard for him and it was visible (from his face). Then Allah, the Exalted. revealed this a" Move not thy tongue therewith to make haste (in memorising it). Surely on us rests the collecting of it and the reciting of it" (ixxv. 16), i. e. Verily it rests with Us that We would preserve it in your heart and (enable you) to recite it You would recite it when We would recite it and so follow its recitation, and He (Allah) said:" We revealed it, so listen to it attentively. Verily its exposition rests with Us. i. e. We would make it deliver by your tongue." So when Gabriel came to him (to the Holy Prophet), he kept silence, and when he went away he recited as Allah had promised him.

The rest of the Surah exclusively deals with clarification about the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the scenario of that Day, when each of the resurrected souls will be presented before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for final accountability. It is mentioned in this Surah that everyone will be aware of his/her account, and those having more sins will be helpless on that Day.

Overall, Surah Al-Qiyamah is primarily about reaffirmation of the occurrence of the Day of Judgment and Resurrection.

Makki or Madni Surah

By consensus, Surah Al-Qiyamah is a Makki Surah, which was revealed during the early days of Prophethood.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-Qiyamah is the 75th Surah of the Quran, placed in the 29th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Muddathir and before Surah Al-Insan. It is the 31st Surah in the order of revelation, and falls at number 75 in the sequence of recitation.

• Number of Verses: Surah Al-Qiyamah has 40 verses.
• Number of Ruku (Sections): The verses of Surah Al-Qiyamah are grouped in 2 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Qiyamah  

Surah Al-Qiyamah holds great significance in Islamic theology, as it deals with the core belief in Islamic faith, i.e., the Day of Qiyamah or the Day of Resurrection. The significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

• The Surah emphasizes and confirms the certainty of the concept of resurrection of all the dead on the Day of Judgment. It also describes the powers and authority of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ as if He is capable of creating humans, and He also holds the power to resurrect them on the Day of Judgment. So, this Surah confirms the inevitability of that Day.
• Surah Al-Qiyamah, like many other Meccan Surahs, also describes the occurrence of the Day of final Judgment, when every soul will be presented before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for accountability. So, this Surah strengthens our Iman (Faith) on both the concept of resurrection and the certainty of accountability.
• The Surah also describes and highlights the conscience (self-reproaching soul), which every human possesses. This inner voice of every human being keeps on warning them about repentance and their moral responsibility. Unfortunately, people do not pay attention to it and remain in denial mode. This Surah keeps on reminding us to pay heed to our inner voice.
• The Surah highlights the scenario of the death of a human being, when the soul would begin to escape the human body, and at that moment, the dying person will be helpless. This reminds and warns us to mend our deeds well before death comes.
• The Surah also reminds us of the Day of Judgment, by highlighting the events on that Day, when everything in this Universe will come to an end. All souls will have to face accountability on this Day.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Qiyama (ٱلْقِيَامَة)

Surah Al-Qiyama talks about the inevitability of the Day of Resurrection. It goes in-depth, explaining all of the things that are supposed to happen on that day. 

Inevitability of the Resurrection

The surah unequivocally declares that the Day of Judgment is a certainty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ uses strong and persuasive words to share the facts so that there is no room left for doubt. Not only that, The Almighty asks rhetorical questions to shun the disbeliefs of non-believers. In verse 3, He asks, "Does man assume that We will never assemble his bones?" He answers in the next verse, "Surely yes, why not? We can properly make all his phalanxes." These verses explain that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ the omnipotent will surely bring about the day when all the bones will be collected back to Him and every person will be responsible for what they used to do.

All-Powerful Almighty

The surah extols the power and mightiness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. His wisdom is above and beyond human capacity. This surah highlights how man is nothing without Him. It was Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ who made humans from a simple clot. This is a strict warning and notice to mankind that the mighty God who made them in the first place holds the authority to gather them again. It is a reminder from the Almighty to wake up and return back to the path of Allah. From verses 36 to 40, He explains this in an exceptionally beautiful way. 

Accountability of Actions

This whole surah revolves around the idea that no soul will bear the consequences of the sins that it hasn't done. It is a beautiful yet eye-opening concept. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ warns disbelievers and those who do injustice. He reminds them that there will be harsh results for the things that they're doing in this world. Allah never forgets, and the aftermath of sins is nothing except for the burning hell. "On that day, man will be informed of all what he sent ahead and left behind." (75:13)

The Day of Judgement

The surah provides a terrifying yet awe-inspiring description of the events that will unfold on the Day of Judgment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ provides visual imagery of all the events that are going to happen that day. The purpose of painting this picture is to instill fear and motivate the readers to seek forgiveness and repent to the All-forgiving and Merciful.

In verses 24 and 25, Allah says, "And on that day, some faces will be ghastly. Knowing that they will be subjected to a torment that breaks the backs."

Throughout the surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ alarms readers to be more thoughtful of their actions. At the beginning of surah, the Almighty paints the picture of Resurrection Day. "He asks, "When will be the Day of Resurrection?" (75:6) "So when the eyes will be blinded by light." (75:7) "And the moon will be eclipsed." (75:8) "And the sun and the moon will be united." (75:9) On that day, man will cry out, "Where shall I flee?" (75:10) "Never! There is no refuge!" (75:11) "On that day, the station is only towards your Lord." (75:12)

These are some awakening verses that remind readers that they can never run past Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. He is seeing and He will hold accountable to everyone who used to trespass. 

Benefits and Virtues of Surah Al-Qiyama (ٱلْقِيَامَة)

Surah Al-Qiyama is a very strong and thought-provoking surah. Regular recitation of this sura, along with its translation, strengthens the belief. It increases the reader's modesty and protects their chastity. There is no hadith for added benefits or virtues of Surah Al-Qiyama; however, there is no denying that recitation of Holy verses opens doors to blessings. Similarly, Surah Al-Qiyama is a persuasive surah that not only provides blessings it also provokes the reader to leave behind what he has done in the past and start living life righteously.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Qiyamah by Renowned Qaris

The correct recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qiyamah, holds great significance. The Quran is the compilation of the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, hence it needs to be recited exactly the same way, as it was revealed. It requires extreme care and must be recited exactly as taught by the Prophet. Even a minor mistake in the correct pronunciation of any Quranic word can be a sinful act and may lead to an entirely different meaning. For a non-Arabic-speaking person, it becomes even more important because they might have difficulty with the correct pronunciation of a Quranic verse. The best solution to overcome this difficulty is to listen to the recitation of renowned and authentic Quran Reciters (Qaris), which is available at MuslimandQuran.

The MuslimandQuran mobile app helps you with this important issue. The recitation of the Quran by renowned and authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, which you can listen to on your mobile devices or laptops at any time. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qiyamah.

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Surah Al-Qiyamah PDF

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