Al-Mursalat (ٱلْمُرْسَلَات)

The 77th chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Mursalat (الْمُرْسَلَات), is dedicated explicitly to disbelievers and deniers. It was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) during his early years in Mecca. This is why it is considered a Makki surah. With a total of 50 verses and 2 rukus, this surah is categorized as Tiwal Mufassal, i.e., one of the shorter surahs of the Quran. The name of this surah was derived from the "Mursalat" in the opening verse, which is translated to "The Emissaries." 

This chapter unfolds vivid imagery of the day of Resurrection. It is a stern warning to disbelievers about the consequences they'll face for rejecting God's message. It meticulously talks about the final day as a reminder for mankind to walk on the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. Through its verses, Surah al-Mursalat employs powerful rhetoric to emphasize that Hereafter is inevitable. It inspires the readers to have a look at their deeds and contemplate their actions. 

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Mursalat (ٱلْمُرْسَلَات)

The central theme of this surah revolves around the day of judgment. It is a reminder that the day every person will be gathered in front of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is bound to come. On that day, the actions that we used to do in this world will decide whether our faces will be bright with happiness or dark with embarrassment. It challenges readers to think about the divine truth and act accordingly. The verse "Ruin is for the deniers on that day!" has been repeated ten times in the entire surah. It is to bring to the mind of disbelievers that there will be no rescue for them. 

The Day of Upheaval

Right from the beginning, surah Al-Mursalat brings to light proceedings that will occur on the final day. It uses striking imagery and potent language to convey the magnitude and significance of this event. From the cosmic destruction to the gathering of humanity, this day will arrive. Everyone's affair will be settled on that day, and the Lord of the world will be the fair judge. The first 15 verses paint an awe-inspiring picture of this momentous day.

The Supreme Master

Another key aspect of this surah is to describe the absolute power and sovereignty of Allah. He created man and this entire universe, and we shall return to Him in the end. This surah awakens the listeners that they are nothing but just normal beings for the supreme master. He destroyed the nations before us, and He will gather us all again. In verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ mentions, "Did We not create you from an abject fluid?" This surah highlights the intricate balance between the cosmos and the earth as a sign of Allah's greatness. Emphasizing this in verses 25 and 26, "Did We not make the earth a storehouse? For the living and the dead among you?" So, whoever still denies the truth will be ruined that day. 

Message to Deniers

Surah Al-Mursalat (الْمُرْسَلَات) is a note for disbelievers and deniers of truth. It gives them a cue about the aftermath of going astray. The surah delivers a strong warning to those who reject God's message. It emphasizes the consequences of disbelief and the ultimate fate of those who persist in their denial. "Indeed, hell throws up sparks like huge castles." (77:32). "This is a day in which they will not be able to speak." (77:35). Intense reminders are used to give the message to deniers that rejecting the truth will give them a permanent place in hell. 

The Fate of Upright People

As an ending note, Allah talks about the honorable people who always walk on the path appointed by their Lord. He explains that the result of good deeds is nothing other than goodness and blessings. Paradise is waiting for such people. They'll eat and drink whatever they want to, and this is the beauty of the reward given by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. In verse 43, Allah is conversing with the pious by saying, "Eat and drink with pleasure, the reward of your deeds." This inspires readers to be more righteous and act carefully.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Mursalat (ٱلْمُرْسَلَات)

Reciting this surah is believed to protect the readers from evil. As Narrated `Abdullah:

While we were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) in a cave at Mina, when Surat Al-Mursalat was revealed and he recited it and I heard it (directly) from his mouth as soon as he recited its revelation. Suddenly a snake sprang at us and the Prophet (ﷺ) said (ordered us): "Kill it." We ran to kill it but it escaped quickly. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It has escaped your evil and you too have escaped its evil." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1830)

Similarly, our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) recited this surah in maghrib prayer, and after this, He never prayed it again until his death. This showcases the importance and heaviness of this surah. It was narrated from Anas that Umm Al-Fadl bint Al-Harith said:

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in praying maghrib in his house and he recited Al-Mursalat, then after that, he never offered any prayer until he died." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 985)

This surah is not only heavy on the hearts of the readers but it is also heavy on the scale.