Al-Adiyat (ٱلْعَادِيَات)

Surah Al-Adiyat is the 100th surah of the Quran and comprises 11 verses. With 1 ruku, this surah can be read in 30th juz (para). The surah got its name from the word 'Adiyat' in the first verse, which means 'The Assaulters or The Racers.' This word is commonly used to describe the galloping hooves of horses as they charge into battle. Just like horses gallop on in a war, so do human beings in greedy pursuit of worldly affairs. Allah Azzawajal uses this vivid imagery to describe the ungrateful nature of human beings and the surety with which the day of judgment is coming closer. 

This surah is a Meccan surah, and it was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) during a very crucial time. During that time, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had appointed his best men for a secret mission to a tribe. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, the return of his men was delayed. Hypocrites took advantage of this situation and spread fake rumors that the mission was unsuccessful and the leader had been killed. This led to increased anxiety and tension among Muslims. This is when Hazrat Gabriel عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ came and revealed this surah as an indication of the mission's success. It is a short chapter of the Quran, yet it holds a profound message for mankind. Starting with an oath, this surah forces readers to contemplate their lives in the light of Islam. 

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Adiyat (ٱلْعَادِيَات)

Despite the brevity of Surah Al-Adiyat, it delivers a meaningful message. It touches upon several key concepts shaping the central theme of Islam. A very proactive yet poetic language is used to convey the message. The surah serves as a powerful reminder that humans are responsible for their actions and that they will be judged accordingly. In the start, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ swears by the horses that are used in battles. These horses are driven with purpose, and they fulfill their purpose. When they run in the cause of Allah and strike their hooves with rocks, fire sparks occur. This symbolizes the efforts that mere horses are putting in the way of Allah. 

Right after this, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ talks about raids at dawn. It is a signal towards the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), who used to perform raids in the early morning. Allah takes the oath of all these things to deliver the message that man is an ungrateful creature. Humans are so mesmerized by the beauty of the worldly life that they often forget their Lord. Man forgets that life and all the blessings he is currently enjoying are gifts from the Omnipotent. If He has given the things, He holds the power to take them away, too.

There is no end to the wishes of a human. Humans are always hungry, needing one thing after another. Surah Al-Adiyat presents a stark indictment of human nature, focusing particularly on the pervasive trait of ingratitude. Despite receiving countless blessings, humans are obsessed with wealth. This tenacious love for wealth and excessive desire to possess material things often overshadow gratitude towards the giver, i.e., Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. 

This surah strikes a contrast between the dedication of horses that are run through the battlefield. They are fed by humans and trained with a purpose, yet like an obedient slave, they tirelessly serve their masters, charging into the battle without any hesitation. On the other hand, there is the man who receives limitless blessings from the king of the world. Yet, he remains ungrateful. The surah implicitly suggests that humans often take the bounties of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ for granted, failing to recognize the divine source of their blessings.

An alarming reminder is given at the end of this surah about the day of judgment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ warns man that in the quest for material wealth, he is becoming oblivious to eternal perspective. On the final day, when every soul will be brought in front of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ with his record, no wealth will save man from his fate. Through Surah Al-Adiyat, Allah advises readers to be grateful to Allah and oblige Him. People who are thankful to the gloried God will be placed in paradise, while the ungrateful people will become the fuel of hellfire. 

This surah implies that every person is accountable for his deed. When the day of Resurrection arrives, every soul will taste the result of what it used to do in this world. In essence, Surah Al-Adiyat is a call to reflection and introspection, urging humans to consider their actions and prepare for the inevitable Day of Reckoning.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Adiyat (ٱلْعَادِيَات)

Surah Al-Adiyat gives a deep insight into Allah's ability to bestow His divine blessings upon us or revive them. Regular recitation of this surah strengthens the relationship with our Mighty Lord. It forces readers to have a look at the favors of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and devote themselves to worship Him. This surah helps in improving life by being more thankful. It increases the prosperity and sustenance of the listeners. Quran was revealed as a guidance and protection from evil. Just like that, reciting surah al-Adiyat will increase good deeds and it will protect readers from hell on Doomsday.