An-Nazi'at (ٱلنَّازِعَات)

Surah An-Nazi’at is the 79th surah of the Holy Quran. It is named after the word An-Nazi’at in the first verse, which means ‘those who pull out’. This refers to the angels who forcefully rip out the souls of the disbelievers. This is a Makkan surah (revealed in Makkah) and consists of 46 verses divided into 2 rukus. It can be found in Juz’ 30.

Surah An-Nazi’at starts by talking in detail about the angels who quickly fulfill Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ orders and advance on the Day of Judgment. Moving forward, it describes the catastrophic events that will happen on that Day, including the earth trembling, the mountains being uprooted, and the oceans overflowing.

Furthermore, Surah Naziat emphasizes that all deceased people will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment and will be asked to take responsibility for their deeds during their lives. Lastly, the surah cautions against the pride and skepticism disbelievers have towards the idea of an afterlife and reassures the faithful that their virtuous actions will be rewarded.

Surah An-Nazi’at Asbab al-Nuzul (Historical Background & Context)

Surah An-Nazi’at was most probably revealed during the early days of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) proclamation of Prophethood (approx. 615 – 618 A.D.). It came as a warning for the disbelievers who made fun of the Prophet’s message (ﷺ) and refused to believe in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and the Day of Resurrection. It showed what the consequences of their ignorance and pride will be.

The Significance of Surah An-Nazi’at

Studying Surah Nazi’at helps believers understand the following concepts:

• The inevitability of the Great Day (Judgement/Resurrection) and stress on its occurrence through various statements.
• The terrifying and horrifying events of that Day
• The story of Hazrat Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the downfall of the proud Fir’aun. This not only serves as a source of comfort for the Prophet (ﷺ) and the faithful but also cautions the disbelievers of Makkah who reject the Day of Resurrection.
• Several of the countless Powers of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ are present in the skies and on the Earth. These serve as proof of the potential for Resurrection and a new existence after death.
• The agonizing fate of the disbelievers compared to the blessings of the virtuous.

Surah Nazi’at leaves man to use his intellect for contemplation and for forming an opinion; should man be held accountable for his sins after Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has Himself granted him authority and responsibility? Or should a person pass away after committing many wrongdoings in life and eventually rest in peace without ever being held accountable for the responsibilities and powers given to him?

Indeed, we have been given this life as a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and must spend our time on Earth in gratitude and worship. We must be held accountable for our deeds and for all the blessings Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has bestowed upon us in this world.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah An-Nazi’at

The main theme discussed in Surah An-Nazi’at is the belief in the Day of Resurrection and the life Hereafter. It begins with oaths taken by the angels responsible for extracting the souls of the dead. It highlights how these angels promptly fulfill Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ commands, including those about managing the universe as per His Divine Will. This reminds and assures believers that the Day of Resurrection will undoubtedly occur and that life after death will certainly happen.

Surah Nazi’at also briefly mentions the story of Hazrat Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Fir’aun. It reminds the believers about the consequences Fir’aun and his followers faced due to their arrogance and pride. It also cautions the disbelievers about contradicting the Prophet (ﷺ), dismissing his guidance, and undermining his mission through cunning and deception. It warns the people of Makkah that if they do not learn a lesson from Hazrat Musa’s story (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and change their ways, they will indeed meet a similar fate.

Surah Nazi’at then proceeds to present arguments to support the existence of the Hereafter and life after death. It also highlights the earth and its resources provided for the sustenance of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ creations. Surah Nazi’at makes it clear that this world and everything in it were crafted with profound wisdom by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ to achieve a specific purpose. Lastly, it emphasizes that we must not doubt or enquire about the Day of Judgement since its time is known to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ alone.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah An-Nazi’at

There are many benefits of reciting and understanding Surah An-Nazi’at. Most importantly, it vividly describes the Day of Resurrection in which souls will be reawakened and their actions will be evaluated. By comprehending these events, believers are motivated to focus on the rewards of the Afterlife rather than the fleeting attractions of this temporary world.

Additionally, Surah An-Nazi’at explores the feelings individuals have as a result of their actions. This acts as a powerful reminder of the outcomes of one’s choices. The Surah talks about the dread and remorse they will feel when standing before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ on the Day of Judgement. This serves as a powerful incentive to seek forgiveness for our mistakes and genuinely return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

Moreover, this Surah highlights Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ unmatched strength and sovereignty through the story of Hazrat Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It emphasizes that real power lies solely with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), while everything else is temporary. It also teaches moral lessons through this account. The Pharaoh’s downfall, despite his great authority, acts as a warning regarding arrogance and the denial of reality. Conversely, the unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and modesty of Hazrat Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrate the qualities that believers must have to succeed.

Lastly, with its deep themes, Surah An-Nazi’at is thought to offer unique protection and blessings to those who read and reflect upon it. Frequent recitation of this Surah is believed to act as a shield against hardships and to gain divine blessings.

It is reported in the Majma‑al‑Bayan (Vol. 10, p. 428):

“For he who studies Surah Nazi’at the length of his stay and his reckoning on the Day of Judgment will last as long as the saying of a daily prayer and, thereafter, he will come into Paradise.”

A tradition from Imam Sadiq (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says:

“He who studies it (Surah Nazi’at) will not pass away but satisfied, will not be brought into the Resurrection but satisfied, and will not come into Paradise but satisfied.”

Listen to Surah An-Nazi’at Recitations by Renowned Qaris

You can listen to the recitation of Surah An-Nazi’at here:

• Recitation by Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy
• Recitation by Sheikh Abdur Rehman As-Sudais
• Recitation by Qari Abdul Basit

Download Surah An-Nazi’at PDF

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