Al-Qaria (ٱلْقَارِعَة)

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.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Qaria (ٱلْقَارِعَة)

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.

Benefits and Virtues of Surah Al-Qaria (ٱلْقَارِعَة)

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.