Surah Al-Ghashiyah (الْغَاشِيَة) means 'The Pall, 'The Overwhelming,' 'The Overshadowing Event' or 'The Calamity.' It is the 88h surah in the Holy Quran and consists of 26 verses in a single Ruku. It is located in the 30th and last Juz/Para. As the name suggests, these verses talk about the overwhelming event that will eventually cover the whole world and everything in it, i.e., the Day of Judgement. When it takes place, humanity will be in two groups; one will be joyous and relieved, while the other will be terrified and tired. The name of the surah comes from the word 'Al-Ghashiyah' in the first verse.
Due to its short length and rebuking message, scholars classify this as a Makkan Surah. It was likely revealed before the Hijrat to Medina and came as a warning to those who rejected the message of the Prophet (ﷺ). At the point of this surah's revelation, the Prophet (ﷺ) was still preaching the word of Islam to the polytheists in Mecca. However, this would also be the period where the preaching was more public rather than among a select few. The people heard the message loud and clear but were still ignoring it. Not only were they being thoughtless and careless, but they insulted the Prophet (ﷺ), his family, and the Muslims who followed the straight path. The surah also clarifies that the Prophet (ﷺ) is only there to remind the people. He is not responsible for forcing everyone to accept the message; Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the sole Judge of everyone.
٨٨ - ٱلْغَاشِيَة
88 - Al-Ghashiya
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In response to the difficult situation in Mecca, this surah comes with at least three broad topics. Let's discuss each of them in turn:
In the first part of the surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) describes the differences among the paths that one can take during their lifetime. There are two main paths–good and evil–to choose from. Next, there's a description of how the non-believers will experience hell. Overall, Surah Al-Ghashiyah invites the reciter and reader to meditate on their actions. Will their current lifestyle and deeds take them to the gardens of Jannah or the terrible fires of Jahannam? The warning is that people should start taking heed and think about the consequences of their actions. Our aim should be to get ready for the Day of Judgement, not to get lost in the enjoyment of the dunya. If they do stay thoughtless and heedless, however, an overwhelming calamity will soon envelop them with fear.
The next theme in the surah makes us aware of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) creations. The earth, the sky, and the mountains are mentioned as signs that provide evidence for God's existence. If humankind cannot see that these wondrous creations were made by someone, then they will be punished in the hereafter. The verses also give us some details about the coming calamity, especially regarding the groups who go to the heaven or hell. They ask whether people cannot see Tawheed in signs like the camels, whose bodies are perfectly fit for survival in the desert. Do they not see how the sky is stretched out, the earth is spread, and the mountains stand tall? All of this could not have occurred without the intervention of an All-Powerful Being. Again, the focus is on urging people to meditate on the facts around them.
In the final part of the surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) directly addresses the Messenger (ﷺ). The verses then clarify that the Prophet (ﷺ) only plays the role of a messenger, not a controller. This message absolves the Prophet (ﷺ) from any responsibility for people's beliefs. He is not to blame for anyone's refutation of the truth. His task is merely to spread the message and exhort people to become believers. In the end, everyone will be called back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and be punished or rewarded.
Several Hadith have mentioned Surah Al-Ghashiyah and its benefits. Reciting the surah reminds us about the inevitability of Qiyamah and the accounting of our actions. We may then reflect more upon our deeds and whether they are worthy of heaven.
Samra ibn Jundab narrated that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite in the Friday prayer: "Glorify the name of your most high Lord" (Surah 87) and 'Has the story of the overwhelming event reached you?' (Al-Ghashiyah). [Sunan Abi Dawood]
There are many other Sahih Hadith that detail how the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite Surah Al-Ghashiyah in Friday Khutbahs. The Muslim Ummah should also make a habit of reciting this surah and reflecting on it regularly. This way, we get a frequent reminder not to stay heedless and busy with the world. We need to pay attention to the message of the Quran and our beloved Prophet (ﷺ). Staying ignorant or thoughtless about such important things can result in severe punishment in the next life. Since we need to prepare for eternity, it's essential to focus on the wonders of creation and surrender to the Master behind it all.