Surah Al-Qaria is one of the many surahs in 30th juz (para). It is the 101st surah of the Quran and has 11 verses. This surah was revealed when the Prophet (ﷺ) was residing in Mecca, which makes this a Makki Surah. It was revealed to remind the tribe of Quraish about doomsday. At that time, the wrongdoings of disbelievers were increasing. This surah warns people about the arrival of the striking hour, i.e., the Day of Judgment, on which their deeds will be judged, and they will be assigned to heaven or hell for all eternity.
The surah got its name from the first verse, “Qaria” (الْقَارِعَة), meaning “The calamity.” It focuses on the day of Judgment when every act will be fairly judged by the Almighty. It dives deep into the description of the blazing fire of hell as a warning for people to think wisely about the wrongdoings they used to do. This concise surah serves the purpose of notifying readers about the Hereafter. It emphasizes the consequences of our actions in this life. However, through this surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives hope to people that they still have a chance to change and be among virtuous people. The surah contrasts the fates of those whose good deeds outweigh their bad and those who fall short.
١٠١ - ٱلْقَارِعَة
101 - Al-Qaria
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Surah Al-Qari’ah is one of the earliest revealed Surahs of the Quran. The major subject addressed in this Surah, just like other Surahs of the same period, is declaring the certainty of the resurrection, the happening of the Day of Judgment, and the accountability of humankind on that Day.
The earlier phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was very difficult. The Message of Islam was being introduced for the first time in a society deeply involved in polytheistic practices, and preaching Tawheed, or monotheism, in this environment was difficult. The core beliefs of Islam, such as Tawheed, Resurrection, and accountability on the Day of Judgment, were new for the Meccans, and they did not believe in any of them. Instead of accepting the preaching of the Prophet (ﷺ), they outright rejected these concepts and often raised questions about life after death. Hence, the majority of Surahs of this earlier phase were aimed at emphasizing these core Islamic beliefs.
Surah Al-Qari’ah was sent down particularly to strengthen and reemphasize belief in the Resurrection and accountability on the Day of Judgment. It is also a warning for the disbelievers, who kept denying both. They asked how a person could be brought back to life after death, and they completely denied that there would be any accountability on that Day.
So, the Surah begins in a striking manner, alerting and warning people about Al-Qari’ah, “The Striking Calamity” (Sahih International). The Surah asks, “What is the Striking Calamity?” (101:2), and then declares that people are unable to comprehend its magnitude: “And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity?” (101:3). The Surah then depicts the horrible scenes of that Day. People will be “like moths, dispersed” (101:4), and the mountains will be “like wool, fluffed up” (101:5).
Then everyone will be presented before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for the final accountability, based on the deeds and actions done in their worldly life. Their deeds will be measured on a scale. The one whose scales are heavy with good deeds “will be in a pleasant life” (101:6–7). But the one whose scales are light will have Hawiyah, “an abyss”, as his refuge (101:8–9). Then the Surah asks, “And what can make you know what that is?” (101:10), and explains: “It is a Fire, intensely hot” (101:11; Sahih International). So, the destiny of the righteous is Paradise, whereas the fate of wrongdoers is Hellfire.
The Surah comprehensively describes the scenario of the Day of Resurrection and accountability on that Day, in short but clear sentences, which was the main purpose of sending down this Surah.
Surah Al-Qari’ah is a Makki Surah by consensus (Maududi). It was revealed during the very early phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), in Mecca.
Surah Al-Qari’ah is the 101st Surah of the Quran. It is placed in the 30th Juz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Adiyat and before Surah At-Takathur. It is the 30th Surah in the order of revelation.
Surah Al-Qari’ah has 11 verses.
The verses of Surah Al-Qari’ah are grouped into 1 Ruku (section).
Surah Al-Qari’ah has great religious significance in Islam, as it describes some of the core Islamic beliefs: the certainty of the Day of Resurrection and accountability on that Day.
Surah Al-Qari'ah is a powerful and concise chapter in the Quran that focuses on a single, overarching theme: Accountability on the Day of Judgment. It presents a terrifying picture of calamity that will befall humans on this momentous occasion. It is an ultimate reminder to humanity, urging them to wake from oblivion and prepare for the reality of Hereafter.
This surah employs a style that is crisp and evocative. Short sentences are used to emphasize the importance of the message of surah. The surah starts with introducing the concept of Qaria which means the disaster or the calamity. This refers to the catastrophic event that will mark the beginning of the Day of Judgment.
In verse 3, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) asks readers, “And what do you know what the Calamity is?” This question immediately grabs the attention of the readers making them ponder about the doomsday. It creates suspense that is needed to set the stage for the rest of the surah.
In the next two verses, 5 and 6, Allah describes the chaos and destruction that will occur on the final day. As soon as the trumpet is blown, the world will be in upheaval, and humans will be helpless. A heart-wrenching comparison of humans with scattered moths and mountains with the tuft of wool is made to show the feebleness of people on that day.
When such an overwhelming terror befalls, people will run to find shelter, but there will be no place to hide. On that day, no matter what the status of the person was in the world or how much material wealth he possessed, his fate would be judged by the true nature of his deeds.
From verses 6 to 9, the focus of Surah Al-Qaria (الْقَارِعَة) shifts to the different destinies that await people on the Day of Resurrection. It speaks of the people who lived worldly lives for Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) recognition. Such people will dwell in the gardens of perpetual bliss. On the other hand, people whose record book is filled with sins and bad deeds will abide in fiery hell. This makes a man accountable for his actions. Allah promises ease and contentment for believers, whereas he threatens disbelievers with blazing fire.
In the 10th verse of this surah, a striking question is raised for readers. “And what do you know what that is?” And without any further due, in verse 11, a simple yet thought-provoking reply is given: “A blazing fire!” These verses underscore the fact that sinners will be held accountable for their deeds. In essence, Surah Al-Qaria is a suggestion for every reader to reflect upon his life and make amendments. It is advice to humanity to strive for a life of righteousness and worship Allah Almighty (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). By doing so, Allah will make palaces for such people in paradise.
Surah Al-Qaria is a message of encouragement for readers to perform more good deeds. The best way to open the doors of Divine blessings is to recite the Quran as much as we can. The central theme of this surah revolves around the weight of deeds on the day of Judgment. So, by reciting this surah oftentimes, one can increase his good deeds.
On the day of Resurrection, when everything will be in utter chaos, this surah will protect its readers from the raging fire of hell. It will act as a shield from the scorching heat of the hellfire. This surah invites readers to have a deep look at themselves and their actions. Pondering over the verses of this surah makes the readers more aware of their actions. The purpose of man is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and walk on the path designed by Him. This surah motivates believers to live a better life, admitting to Allah.
The recitation of the Quran is a sensitive and crucially important matter because it comprises the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The Quran was revealed in Arabic, where the meaning of a word may change with a slight variation in pronouncing it. Mistakes that change the meaning should be avoided, but learners should not be discouraged: the Prophet (ﷺ) said that one “who falters in it, and finds it difficult for him, will have two rewards” (Sahih Muslim 798a).
The best way to learn how to recite the Quran correctly is to learn from a qualified Quran (Tajweed) teacher or an authentic Quran reciter, known as a Qari. One of the most practical ways is to listen consistently to the recitation of authentic and renowned Qaris, which helps listeners pronounce the Quranic words correctly with Tajweed. It also helps those who just want to listen to the Quran, instead of reading it themselves.
The Muslim and Quran mobile app allows you to listen to the recitation of the Quran by different renowned Qaris. 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 Muslim and Quran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qari’ah.
You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:
The Muslim and Quran mobile app provides the facility to read the Quran online. But if you are interested in reading it offline, you can also download any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qari’ah, in PDF format. You can download Surah Al-Qari’ah in PDF from this page by following these simple steps:
Al-Qari’ah means “The Striking Calamity” (Sahih International). It is also translated as “the Calamity” or “the Great Disaster”. In the context of Surah Al-Qari’ah, this word describes the Day of Qiyamah, or the Day of Resurrection.
No specific benefits are associated with reciting Surah Al-Qari’ah, daily or otherwise. However, reciting the Quranic Surahs brings rewards, especially when recited while understanding their meanings. This Surah also reminds us of the Hereafter, the Resurrection, and the final accountability on the Day of Judgment.
No specific time or day is associated with the recitation of Surah Al-Qari’ah. Any part of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qari’ah, can be recited at any time during the day or night, with complete presence of mind.
No authentic (Sahih) Hadith is available in any of the authentic Hadith collections about this Surah.
The Quran, including Surah Al-Qari’ah, was sent down for the benefit and guidance of all humankind, irrespective of language or nation. Anyone can recite it, and learning its meaning through a translation helps a non-Arabic speaker understand its message. The Prophet (ﷺ) also said that one who finds reciting the Quran difficult will have two rewards (Sahih Muslim 798a).