Al-Haqqa (ٱلْحَاقَّة)

 

Surah Al-Haqqa is the 69th Surah of the Quran and belongs to the 29th Juz. Al-Haqqa means ‘The Inevitable Hour’ or ‘The Inevitable Truth’ or ‘The Reality.’ The surah starts with the verse, “Alhaqqatu,” which means the sure reality! It refers to the Day of Judgment, the Qayamah. The surah was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in response to the mockery and ridicule by the people of the Quraysh. They laughed at the idea of retribution, i.e., that they would be held accountable for their actions after death. Allah told them that the Day of Judgment is a sure reality that will occur. 

As the content of the surah implies, this is a Meccan surah that was revealed in the early years of Islam, consisting of 52 Verses divided into 2 Rukus. Surahs, which were revealed before hijrah, mostly consist of topics related to Prophethood, examples of the previous Prophets, the life hereafter, the Day of Judgement, warnings for the mushriks, and rewards for the believers. Apart from the inevitability of the Day of Resurrection, the surah describes the destruction of previous nations who denied the Prophets, the destruction of the people of Thamud and Aad, and the rewards for believers and punishments for the mushriks.

٦٩ - ٱلْحَاقَّة

69 - Al-Haqqa

اَلْحَاۗقَّۃُ۝۱ۙ
Alhaqqatu

English

Ahmed Ali

THE CONCRETE REALITY.

1

مَا الْحَاۗقَّۃُ۝۲ۚ
Ma alhaqqatu

English

Ahmed Ali

What is the concrete reality?

2

وَمَاۗ اَدْرٰىكَ مَا الْحَاۗقَّۃُ۝۳ۭ
Wama adraka ma alhaqqatu

English

Ahmed Ali

What do you comprehend by the concrete reality?

3

كَذَّبَتْ ثَمُوْدُ وَعَادٌۢ بِالْقَارِعَۃِ۝۴
Kaththabat thamoodu waAAadun bialqariAAati

English

Ahmed Ali

The Thamud and 'Ad denied the consequential calamity.

4

فَاَمَّا ثَمُوْدُ فَاُہْلِكُوْا بِالطَّاغِيَۃِ۝۵
Faamma thamoodu faohlikoo bialttaghiyati

English

Ahmed Ali

So destroyed were the Thamud by a storm of thunder and lightning;

5

وَاَمَّا عَادٌ فَاُہْلِكُوْا بِرِيْحٍ صَرْصَرٍ عَاتِيَۃٍ۝۶ۙ
Waamma AAadun faohlikoo bireehin sarsarin AAatiyatin

English

Ahmed Ali

And the 'Ad were destroyed by the furious cold blast of roaring wind

6

سَخَّرَہَا عَلَيْہِمْ سَبْعَ لَيَالٍ وَّثَمٰنِيَۃَ اَيَّامٍ۝۰ۙ حُسُوْمًا فَتَرَى الْقَوْمَ فِيْہَا صَرْعٰى۝۰ۙ كَاَنَّہُمْ اَعْجَازُ نَخْلٍ خَاوِيَۃٍ۝۷ۚ
Sakhkharaha AAalayhim sabAAa layalin wathamaniyata ayyamin husooman fatara alqawma feeha sarAAa kaannahum aAAjazu nakhlin khawiyatun

English

Ahmed Ali

Which He sent to assail them for seven nights and eight days running. You should have seen the people prostrate like the decayed trunks of date-palm trees.

7

فَہَلْ تَرٰى لَہُمْ مِّنْۢ بَاقِيَۃٍ۝۸
Fahal tara lahum min baqiyatin

English

Ahmed Ali

Do you see any trace of them?

8

وَجَاۗءَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَنْ قَبْلَہٗ وَالْمُؤْتَفِكٰتُ بِالْخَاطِئَۃِ۝۹ۚ
Wajaa firAAawnu waman qablahu waalmutafikatu bialkhatiati

English

Ahmed Ali

Then came the Pharaoh, and those before him whose habitations were overthrown while they were committing crimes.

9

فَعَصَوْا رَسُوْلَ رَبِّہِمْ فَاَخَذَہُمْ اَخْذَۃً رَّابِيَۃً۝۱۰
FaAAasaw rasoola rabbihim faakhathahum akhthatan rabiyatan

English

Ahmed Ali

When they disobeyed the apostle of their Lord He seized them with an overwhelming punishment.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-Haaqqa was revealed in Mecca, most probably around the 5th year of Prophethood. It was the time when the Quraysh tribe of Mecca was continuously in denial mode about the Prophethood and the certainty of life after death (the concept of Resurrection). However, till that time, they had started opposing the Prophet and his teachings but had not entered into a tyrannical phase. Their opposition was mainly focused on:

  • Denial of Prophethood.
  • Denial of Divine revelations.
  • Denial of the Day of Judgment and resurrection (life after death).

In this context, the disbelievers of Mecca, especially the leaders of Quraysh, started accusing the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ that nothing is revealed by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and that the Prophet was a poet, or magician, or a sorcerer, who was inventing these verses on his own. So, the main reason behind the revelation of Surah Al-Haaqqa was to address these issues. Additionally, like the majority of earlier Meccan Surahs, this Surah also focuses on life after death, the Day of Judgment, and accountability.

The Surah depicts a horrible scenario of the Day of Qayamah (the Hour), which is described in this Surah as a reality that is inevitable. The Surah starts with this description of the Day of Qayamah, when everything will be destroyed in one stroke. On that day, everyone will be given their book of account for what they have done in their worldly life. Those getting their account into the right hands will be the happiest people and will live in paradise forever. But those who get it on their left hand will regret it and will be sent to hell.

The concept of accountability is explained by giving the examples of previous nations, such as Thamud, Ad, the people of Pharaoh, and the people of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, who were all destroyed and killed for denying the Divine Message and the teachings of the Prophets.  

In the second part of this Surah, the accusations of the disbelievers have been settled. It is categorically mentioned in this part of the Surah that the Prophet recites only the words of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, sent down to him, and that nothing is altered, added, or removed by the Prophet. Going further, it is also clearly described that the Prophet has no powers to add or remove even a word in Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ revelations. This established the reality and truth of the Divine revelations, refuting the false allegations of Quraysh that these were created by the Prophet on his own.

In short, the Surah addresses two main issues: the truth of the Divine revelations and the Prophethood, and secondly, the reality and certainty of the Day of Judgment, resurrection, and final accountability.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Haaqqa is a Makki Surah, most probably revealed around. The 5th year of the Prophethood.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-Haaqqa is the 69th Surah, placed in the 29th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. It comes after Surah Al-Qalam and before Surah Al- Ma'arij. It is the 78th Surah in the order of revelation, 69th  in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Haaqqa has 52 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Haaqqa is divided into 2 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Haaqqa  

Surah Al-Haaqqa holds a significant status in the Islamic teachings because it refutes the false allegations of Qurasyh against the reality and truth of the Prophethood, and the Divine revelations. Moreover, it gives a clear depiction of the Day of Judgment (Qayamah). The significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

  • It establishes the reality and certainty of the Day of Judgment, the Day when everyone who has ever lived in this world will be resurrected. The Surah starts with an authoritative and alarming tone, warning people that the Day (or Hour) is certain to come, when this entire world will be destroyed and culminate just with one stroke.
  • It strengthens our belief in the Day of Judgment and life after death.
  • It established the certainty and inevitability of accountability on the Day of Judgment. It will be the Day when everyone will be delivered the book of accounts of what they have done in their worldly life. Those who have done well will get their account in their right hand. They will happily accept it and will be sent to paradise, where they will live forever. But those who have done wrongful deeds in this world will get their account in the left hands. They will regret and feel sorrow for their wrongful deeds, but on that Day no one will come to their rescue. Their destination will be hell, where they will face punishment forever.
  • The concept of punishment is also described in this Surah by giving examples of the previous nations, such as the Thamud, Ad, the people of Pharaoh, and the people of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. These nations were punished right in this world, establishing that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ punishes some nations even in this world, without waiting for the Day of Resurrection.
  • The Surah also categorically established the truth and reality of the Divine revelations by saying that the Prophet only recites the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, revealed to him, and that he cannot and does not alter, add, or remove even a single word in it. Hence, the Surah also strengthens our faith in the Quran, being the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

Theme and Subject Matter of Al-Haqqa (الْحَاقَّة)

Al-Haqqa means ‘The Reality or ‘the Inevitable’ and focuses on the reality of The Day of Judgement, an event that no one can escape. The surah also recalls the destruction of pat nations like Thamud, Aad, and Noah’s people, who were punished by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ for rejecting His message and mocking the Prophets. It briefly mentions Pharoah and his followers as a reminder to non-believers of the consequences faced by these arrogant people who were disobedient to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and their existence was completely wiped out. 

Surah Al-Haqqa describes how everything will disappear on the Day of Judgement, and everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. Those who believed in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and lived righteously will receive their records in their right hand, and those who did wrong to themselves and disbelieve in Allah will have it in their left hand. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ says in the Quran;

“But whosoever gets his ledger in his left hand will say: “Would that I was never given my ledger, and not known my account!” (Quran 69:25) (Quran 69:26)

The surah describes the power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, its sovereignty, and His power to hold everyone accountable on the Day of Judgement. Allah also emphasizes about Quran being the words sent down by Allah on His Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), and Allah declares a warning for those who mock him and doubt him. 

Surah Al-Haqqa  (الْحَاقَّة) brings news of rewards for the followers of Islam. Those who remain steadfast in the way of Allah despite hardships will receive great rewards from their lord in this world and the hereafter. Allah explains that on the day of Qayamah, those whose records will be handed to them in their right hands will proceed to Jannah (heaven), and those who will be given records in their left hand will proceed to hell. Allah paints a vivid picture of the day, stating that those who have not followed the right path in life will be dragged to hell, where they will be subjected to torment as punishment for their sins. 

The surah also confirms that the Quran, the book of Allah, and the message of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the absolute truth. It affirms that this book is the word of Allah Azzwajal, the Creator of the universe. This message is not man-made, and nor is Muhammad (ﷺ) spreading his own words. Islam is the one true religion, and Quran is the book of Allah from Allah. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Haqqa (الْحَاقَّة)

Surah Al-Haqqa serves as a reminder of the reality of the Day of Judgement. Reciting Surah Al-Haqqa can help strengthen faith, and understanding its message will help us become better Muslims with each passing day by focusing on doing good deeds. Allah says in the Quran:

“He who is given his ledger in his right hand will say: “Here, read my ledger. I was certain I’ll be given my account.” (Quran 69:19, Quran 69:20)

“So he shall have an agreeable life. In high empyrean, with fruits hanging low within reach.” (Quran 69:21, Quran 69:22, Quran 69:23)

The surah encourages the believers to seek forgiveness, live a righteous life, and follow the teachings of Allah and His Prophets. It also highlights the qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, urging the believers who fear Him to submit to His will. As Muslims, we all know that reciting the Quran will intercede for those who recite it and act upon the teachings of the Quran. Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ);

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” (Riyad as-Salihin 999, Book 9, Hadith 9)

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

Recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa, is a highly virtuous but quite sensitive matter. These are the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and need to be recited with correct pronunciation, exactly how they were revealed and were taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Arabic is a language where correct pronunciation matters a lot. Even a slight deviation from correct pronunciation may alter its meaning. So, when reciting the Quran, one must take extra care to recite correctly. Listening to the recitation of authentic Qaris (reciters) is the best way to learn the correct way of reciting the Quran. Additionally, you may sometimes just like to listen to the Quran rather than read it yourself.

The MuslimandQuran mobile app provides the best solution to this sensitive matter. The recitation of the Quran by the most authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, where you can listen to it on your mobile devices or laptops whenever you like. 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 application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa.

You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:

Surah Al-Haaqqa PDF

The ability to read the Quran online is readily available in the MuslimandQuran mobile app. Additionally, you can download any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa, as a PDF for printing or reading offline.

You can download Surah Al-Haaqqa in PDF by following these simple steps:

  • Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
  • In the Destination dropdown menu, choose Save as PDF.
  • Click Save to download Al-Haaqqa to your device.

FAQs:

Al-Haaqqa translates to “the hour” or “the reality”. In the context of Surah Al-Haaqqa, this phrase is used to describe the reality and certainty of the Day of Judgment (Day of Qayamah)

Surah Al-Haaqqa comprises 52 verses.

No specific benefits or virtues are associated with the recitation of Surah Al-Haaqqa. However, it brings huge rewards in this world as well as in the life hereafter, just like the recitation of any Surahs of the Quran.

There is no specific time recommended by scholars for the recitation of Surah Al-Haaqqa. It can be recited at any time during the night or the day.

No authentic Hadith in any of the authentic Hadith collections deals specifically with the recitation or virtues of this Surah. However, Hadith 107 of Masnad Ahmad narrates an occasion when the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was reciting this Surah during prayer, and Hadrat Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ listened to it. He describes that while listening to verses 41 and 42 of this Surah, he was so impressed that Islam started entering his heart, though he formally accepted Islam later, while listening to the Quran in his sister's house.

Yes, you can listen to this Surah online, on any of your mobile devices. All the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa, are available on the Mobile Application of Muslim and Quran.

No specific rewards are associated with the daily recitation of Surah Al-Haaqqa. However, reciting any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa, brings huge rewards, though not specifically recommended to be recited on a daily basis.

The Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa, is not for a particular nation. It is for the benefit and guidance of the entire humankind, irrespective of what language they speak. It brings equal benefits to whoever recites any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Haaqqa. So, a non-Arabic speaker will definitely get the same benefits from the recitation of Surah Al-Haaqqa as an Arabic-speaking individual may get.