English Translation and Tafsir of Surah At-Takathur

 

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called At-Takathur, rivalry, and competition, because it begins by alhakumu At-Takathur, namely, the rivalry diverts you.

In other words, o people, competing to acquire and gather wealth in the life of this world diverts you from sincere working for the lasting life of the Hereafter. Surah At-Takathur was revealed in Makkah. It contains eight ayat. 

Relationship between Surah At-Takathur and Surah Al-Qari’ah

Surah At-Takathur comes after surah Al-Qari’ah according to the written copy of the noble Quran, al-Mushaf. Surah Al-Qari’ah refers to some horrors of the Day of Judgment. It also mentions the recompense of the good-doers and evildoers. Then, surah At-Takathur mentions causes that lead to entering Hell and suffering its severe punishment, of which are being occupied with accumulating pleasures of the life of this world and forgetting to work and prepare for the lasting of the Hereafter.

In other words, an imbalanced attitude that makes one focus on attaining the pleasures of the life of this world to the extent he ignores preparing for the Hereafter causes loss.

Most important Topics Discussed in Surah At-Takathur

• Referring to the fact that people usually occupy themselves with attaining the pleasures of the life of this world until death comes to them. On the other hand, those whom Allah has mercy on, have a balanced attitude to the life of this world. They work for it and enjoy its pleasures, but at the same time, they prepare themselves for the Hereafter by believing in Allah’s Oneness and performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake.

• The surah mentions that people will be recompensed for their deeds on the Day of Judgment, good or evil.

• The surah condemns rivalry for acquiring enjoyments of the life of this world and ignoring working for the Hereafter.

• Hell will be seen on the Day of Judgment and people will be asked about the pleasures they have in the life of this world.

English Translation of Surah At-Takathur

Surah At-Takathur, Revealed in Makkah, Contains 8 Ayat

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

102:1 The rivalry diverts you

102:2 until you visit the graves.

102:3 No! You shall know.

102:4 Again, no! You shall know.

102:5 No! If you had the knowledge of certainty, 

102:6 you shall surely see Hell.

102:7 Again, you shall surely see it with the eye of certainty.

102:8 Then you shall surely be asked about the pleasure.

Tafsir

102:1 The rivalry diverts you

102:2 until you visit the graves.

O people, The rivalry over accumulating wealth and enjoyments of the life of this world diverts you away from preparing for the lasting life of the Hereafter until death comes to you. You die in such a state of distraction, be buried in your graves, and remain therein alone until the Day of Judgment occurs. 

 The ayah says ‘you visit the graves’ to refer to death that is because the dead comes to his grave like a visitor. He remains there for some time. Then, he will be brought out of his grave for reckoning and recompense on the Day of Judgment. 

In other words, the dead stays in his grave temporally until the time that Allah, Exalted be He, has appointed for resurrection on the Day of Judgment comes. Moreover, the ayah is evidence confirming the torment of the grave because Allah mentions that those who extremely occupied themselves with the life of this world will know what will happen to them after death and being buried in their graves. 

Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] warned of coveting for attaining the pleasures of the life of this world to the extent that one forgets being prepared for the Hereafter. Abdul Allah Ibn ash-Shakhir, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘I came to Prophet Muhammad and he was reciting, [102:1 The rivalry diverts you until you visit the graves.] Then, he said, ‘Son of Adam says, ‘My wealth, my wealth.’ Do you know that you own of your wealth that you give as charity, eat and consume, and wear and wear out?’’ [Sahih Muslim] 

 Anas Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him said, ‘Three things follow the dead. Two of which will return and only one remains with him. His family and wealth will return and his deeds will remain with him.’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari] 

It is permissible to visit the graves. One salutes the dead and invokes Allah for him asking Him to forgive his sins and have mercy on him. Moreover, visiting the graves makes one remember the Hereafter and be prepared for it by performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake.

102:3 No! You shall know.

102:4 Again, no! You shall know.

O people, do not covetously occupy yourselves with attaining the pleasures of the life of this world and ignore working for the lasting life of the Hereafter. You will know the outcome of your extreme distraction from working for the Hereafter when you come out of your graves for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Again, do not act in such a manner, which will cause you loss on the Day of Judgment. 

‘You shall know’ is repeated to express affirmation, strong condemnation, and warning. This method is used by the Arabs to convey reprimand and censure. 

102:5 No! If you had the knowledge of certainty, 

O people, you should not be distracted by amassing wealth to enjoy in this world instead of working for the Hereafter. If you had certain knowledge that Allah will resurrect you after death for reckoning on the Day of Judgment, you would not occupy yourselves with heaping up wealth and forget to work for the Hereafter. 

The intended meaning is to strongly condemn those who extremely occupy themselves with collecting wealth and enjoying the pleasures of this world. Those people are usually arrogant. When they are reminded of working for the Hereafter, they will haughtily say that they do not need admonition and claim that they know the right path and how to manage their affairs properly. If they had certain knowledge, they would not compete to gather enjoyment of this world and forget to prepare for the Hereafter.

There are three degrees of knowledge: 1) certain knowledge, which is acquired by having proofs and evidence. 2) the eye of certainty, namely, knowledge, which is acquired by seeing something with one’s eyes. 3) true knowledge, which is acquired by first-hand experience of something. For example, one knows that the holy mosque in Makkah exists by having proof and evidence, which is certain knowledge. When he travels to it and sees it with his eyes, he acquires the eye of certainty. Finally, when he enters it and prays therein, he will have knowledge acquired by first-hand experience. 

102:6 you shall surely see Hell.

102:7 Again, you shall surely see it with the eye of certainty.

102:8 Then you shall surely be asked about the pleasure.

O people, you shall surely see Hell in the Hereafter. Again, you shall surely see Hell in the Hereafter. Thus, beware of disobeying Allah in the life of this world and being distracted by enjoying its pleasures, and forget to prepare for the Hereafter. You shall certainly see Hell with your eyes and know how severe its torment is. Then, you shall surely be asked about the pleasures of the life of the present life that distracted you from working for the Hereafter. You will be asked about all the blessings that Allah has given you in the present life. You will be asked about the good health, wealth, free time, dwelling, etc. that Allah, out of His bounty, has given you to use them for obeying His commands, avoiding His prohibition, and working for the Hereafter. 

In sum, man will be asked about all blessings that Allah has given him in the life of this world, how he gained them, and how he used them.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, ‘Abu Bakr and Umar were sitting, then Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him, came to them. He said, ‘Why are you sitting here?’ They said, ‘Hunger.’ Prophet Muhammad said, ‘By the One, Who has sent me with the truth, nothing has made me come out of my house except hunger.’ Then, they set forth until they entered the house of one of the believers among the resident of al-Madinah. His wife welcomed them. Then, Prophet Muhammad said to her, ‘Where is your husband?’ She said, ‘He went to bring us water from a well.’ Then, her husband came, carrying his water-skin. He said, ‘Welcome! No one is visited by anyone better than those who have visited me today.’ Then, he hung his water-skin on a palm tree branch, and brought them some dates on a branch of a palm tree. Prophet Muhammad said to him, ‘Why have not you brought some of the dates?’ The man said, ‘I would like that you should choose for yourselves.’ Then, he brought out his razor. Thereupon, Prophet Muhammad said to him, ‘Do not slaughter your milch sheep.’ However, he slaughtered it and they ate therefrom. Then, Prophet Muhammad said, ‘You shall surely be asked about his on the Day of Judgment. You came out of your houses and you were hungry. Then, you returned while you are full. This is the pleasure about which you shall be asked [Tafsir At-Tabari].’ 

Learned Lessons from Surah At-Takathur

• Warning of being occupied with the pleasures of the life of this world, and not preparing for the Hereafter by not performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake.

• Warning of rivalry for attaining the pleasures of the life of this world and ignoring working for the Hereafter.

• On the Day of Judgment, those who ignore preparing for the Hereafter will know the evil outcomes of not performing righteous for Allah’s sake in the life of this world.

• It is permissible to visit the graves to invoke Allah for the dead and learn lessons from their end.

• To make the heart attentive, one should always do his best to obey Allah and frequently remember death.

• Confirming torment of the grave.

• On the Day of Judgment, Hell will be seen and the evildoers will suffer its severe torment.

• On the Day of Judgment, people will be asked about the pleasures they enjoyed in the life of this world. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah At-Takathur

The Noble Quran English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah At-Takathur

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qari’ah

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl English Translation and Tafsir 

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qariah

 

Name of the Surah

This surah is called Al-Qariah, the Calamity, because it begins by

[ Al-Qariah, the Calamity! What is al-Qariah?] [101:1-2]

Al-Qariah, the Calamity, is one of the names of the Day of Judgment. It is called so because the Day of Judgment is a horrifying day that frightened the hearts with its great horrors.

This surah was revealed in Makkah. It contains eleven ayah. It speaks about the horrors of the Day of Judgment so that people will be prepared for it by believing in Allah’s Oneness and performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake.

Relationship between Surah Al-Adiyat and Surah al-Qariah

Surah Al-Adiyat comes before surah Al-Qariah according to the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf. Surah Al-Adiyat is concluded by referring to the Day of Judgment and mentions that all people’s deeds will become apparent on that day. Then, surah al-Qariah mentions details about the horrors of this day.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah al-Qariah

• Surah al-Qariah refers to some terrifying events that will take place on the Day of Judgment.

• The surah mentions that people will come out of their graves and spread everywhere like scattered moths. 101:4 The day that people shall be like scattered moths,

• It also mentions that mountains will be removed from their places and become like carded wool. 101:5 and the mountains shall be like carded wool.

• Surah al-Qariah mentions that people will be divided into two parties on the Day of Judgment, namely, the successful and the losers.

• Those whose righteous deeds will be great will enjoy a pleasant life in the Hereafter.

• Those who disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness and disobey His commands will be the dwellers of Hell, where they will suffer lasting punishment. 

English Translation of Surah al-Qariah

Revealed in Makkah, Contains 11 Ayah

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

101:1 The Calamity! 

1012:2 What is the Calamity?

101:3 And what shall make you know what the Calamity is?

101:4 The day that people shall be like scattered moths,

101:5 and the mountains shall be like carded wool.

101:6 Then, as for him whose scales are heavy, 

101:7 he shall live a pleasant life.

101:8 And as for him whose scales are light,

101:9 his mother shall be the abyss.

101:10 And what shall make you know what it is?

101:11 It is a blazing Fire!

Tafsir

101:1 The Calamity! 

1012:2 What is the Calamity?

101:3 And what shall make you know what the Calamity is?

In the Arabic language, al-Qariah is derived from qara’, which means to beat and strike violently so that a loud sound is heard. The Day of Judgment is called al-Qariah because its horrors terrify the hearts and cause chaos in the universe. Al-Qariah is translated into the Calamity because the Day of Judgment causes destruction in the universe and a great deal of distress among the creatures.

‘What shall make you know what the Calamity is?’: the interrogation is to magnify the effects of the Day of Judgment and call people’s attention to its horrors. 

101:4 The day that people shall be like scattered moths,

The Calamity is the day when people come out of their graves and perplexedly walk in all directions, as they will hear the caller to the place of gathering for reckoning. They will be like scattered moths that disorderedly fly in all directions. 

Moths are strongly attracted to bright light. Though a flame is hot and can burn the moths, they fly in succession into it and burn therein. Similarly, people will perplexedly follow the caller to the place of gathering without discerning why they follow it and what will happen after they go after it.

101:5 and the mountains shall be like carded wool.

On the Day of Judgment, the mountains will be removed from their places and destroyed. They will crumble and become dust spreading everywhere like carded wool that is combed out before spinning. After carding, the fiber of the wool is untangled and fluffy. 

In sum, the ayat warns of the horrors of the Day of Judgment and urge people to be prepared for it by worshipping Allah alone, obeying His commands, and avoiding His prohibitions. 

101:6 Then, as for him whose scales are heavy, 

101:7 he shall live a pleasant life.

After referring to some horrifying events that will take place on the Day of Judgment, the surah mentions the end of the happy and the wicked.

As for him, whose scales of righteous deeds are heavy, as he has believed in Allah’s Oneness and obeyed His commands in the life of this world, he will live a pleasant life in Paradise. Allah will be pleased with him and reward him immensely. He will enjoy a happy lasting life in Paradise.

101:8 And as for him whose scales are light,

101:9 his mother shall be the abyss.

And as for him, whose scales of righteous deeds is light, as he has disbelieved in Allah’s Oneness and disobeyed His commands in the life of this world, his abode will be the abyss, namely, Hell. He will suffer severe and lasting punishment therein.

One usually runs to his mother for protection and safety. On the Day of Judgment, the evildoers will fall into Hell just like one, who runs to his mother. 

The people of as-Sunnah and Community, ahl-as-Sunnah wa-al-Jamah, believe in the scale for weighing people’s deeds on the Day of Judgment, as it is mentioned in the Quran and authentic prophetic narrations. People's deeds will be put on the scale and weighed. Those whose righteous deeds are greater than the evil deeds will be rewarded. On the other hand, those whose evil deeds are greater than righteous deeds will be punished. And Allah knows best.

101:10 And what shall make you know what it is?

101:11 It is a blazing Fire!

The interrogation is for warning of Hell and its severe punishment to show that it is a great fire that no one knows its severity save, Allah, Exalted be He.

And what shall make you know what Hell is? It is a blazing Fire that has reached the greatest degree of hotness. May Allah protect us from Hell and its punishment.

 Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘Your fire is one part of seventy parts of the Fire of Hell.’ It was said, ‘The fire of the life of this world will be sufficient.’ He said, ‘the Fire of Hell has more sixty-nine parts than the fire of the life of this world, each of which is as hot as it.’ 

Learned Lessons from Surah al-Qariah

• The Day of Judgment is horrifying. Its horrors will extremely frighten the hearts and no one knows how severe the horrors of the Day of Judgment except Allah, Exalted be He.

• Mentioning the horrors of the Day of Judgment implies warning to people so that they should be prepared for this day by believing in Allah’s Oneness and performing righteous deeds for His sake.

• On the Day of Judgment, people will be scattered everywhere and be like moths that are attracted to fire, flying towards it, and falling therein.

• On the Day of Judgment, the mountains will be removed from their places and destroyed. They will be dust spreading everywhere like carded wool.

• On the Day of Judgment, people will be divided into two parties, namely, the people of Paradise and the people of Hell.

• On the Day of Judgment, people’s deeds will be weighed on the scale of deeds.

• Those whose righteous deeds are great by believing in Allah’s commands and obeying His commands will be the dwellers of Paradise where they will enjoy a pleasant life.

• Those whose evil deeds are great by disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and disobeying His commands will be the dwellers of Hell where they will suffer lasting and severe punishment.

• The Fire of Hell is extremely hot and no one knows the degree of its hotness except Allah.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Qariah

The Noble Quran English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Qariah

The Noble Quran Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir

Types of Abrogation in Islamic Law

 

Concise Introduction to Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on al-Waraqat By Imam al-Harmayn Al-Juwayni [Part 17]

With regard to abrogating the written utterance and the rule, abrogation in Islamic law is divided into three types: 

1) Abrogation of the written utterance while the rule is retained. 

For example, Umar narrated, may Allah be pleased with him, “Beware of not applying the rule of ayah of the stoning of the adulterer and adulteress. Someone may say, ‘We do not find these two rules in the Quran, i.e. stoning the adulterer and the adulteress.’ Verily, Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] stoned them, and we stoned them after him. By the One in whose my soul is, Allah, had it been that people would say, ‘Umar added an ayah to the Quran, I would write it [If an old man and woman commit adultery, absolutely stone them.) Indeed, we have read it in the Quran.” 

2) Abrogation of the rule while its written utterance is retained.

 For example, the rule mentioned in ayah 240 is abrogated by the rule mentioned in ayah 234 in surah al-Baqarah.

 Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 

2:240 And those of you who die, leaving wives, let them make bequeath for their wives, provision for a year…

2:234 Those of you who die, leaving wives, their wives shall wait four months and ten days… 

Ayah 240 says that the waiting period for a widow is a year. Then, this rule is abrogated by the rule mentioned in ayah 234, which says that the waiting period for a widow is four months and ten days. 

The utterance of the abrogated and the abrogating rule exists in the Quran.

Someone may say, ‘What is the rationale behind abrogating the rule while its written utterance is retained?’

The answer is as follows:

1) The reciter of the Quran will be rewarded for reciting the ayah though the rule therein is abrogated. 

2) Reminding the Muslim nations of the rationale behind the abrogation. 

3) Abrogation of both the written text of the ayah and the rule

For example, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated, “Among the ayat that were revealed in the Quran was the ayah of suckling. It says that marriage is unlawful between a child, who sucks ten suckling, and another child, who was breastfed by the same woman. Then this rule was abrogated by another rule that says five known suckling. The ayah of suckling used to be recited in the Quran when Messenger Muhammad died.” 

(The ayah of suckling used to be recited in the Quran when Messenger Muhammad died.) This means that the ayah abrogating ten suckling to five suckling was revealed too late to the extent that some believers kept on reciting it as part of the Quran as they did not know about its abrogation. 

 In other words, the written text and the rule of the ayah that says that marriage is unlawful by ten suckling was abrogated. On the other hand, the written text of the ayah that says the marriage is unlawful by five suckling is abrogated, but the rule was retained.

Abrogation of a Rule by a Substitute Rule

1) It is permissible to abrogate a rule by a substitute rule, namely, abrogating a rule by another rule.

For example, the rule to face Jerusalem when praying was abrogated by requiring to face the Holy mosque in Makkah when praying.

 2) It is permissible to abrogate a rule without any substitute rule. 

For example, the rule requiring giving charity when having a private consultation with Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him], which is mentioned in surah [58:12] was abrogated by [58:13]. However, no substation is mentioned in the abrogating ayah [13] for giving charity, which is required in ayah 12]

 Allah says interpretation of the meaning,

 58:12 O you who believe, when wanting to have a private consultation with Allah’s Messenger, then give charity before your consultation. That will be better for you and purer. Yet if you find no means, verily, Allah is All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. 

The rule to give charity before having a private consultation with the Messenger of Allah, which is mentioned in [58:12], is abrogated by [58:13, which does not mention any substitution for giving charity.

 58:13 Are you afraid of giving charity before your consultation? If you have not done so and Allah has forgiven you, then constantly perform the prayer, give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do. 

Types of Abrogation by a Substitute Rule 

1) The abrogating rule is lighter than the abrogated rule. 

For example, the waiting period for a widow was a year. Then, the rule was abrogated by another rule, which says that the waiting period for a widow would be four months and ten days.

2:240 And those of you who die, leaving wives, let them make bequeath for their wives, provision for a year…

2:234 Those of you who die, leaving wives, their wives shall wait four months and ten days… 

2) The abrogating rule and the abrogated rule are equal concerning difficulty and easiness.

For example, the rule to face Jerusalem in the prayer was abrogated by another rule, which says that the believers must face Makkah in the prayer. Facing Jerusalem is equal to facing the Kaaba in Makkah concerning difficulty and easiness. The believers need only to change the direction when praying.

3) The abrogating rule is more difficult than the abrogated rule. 

For example, abrogating the rule that it is permissible to choose between fasting the month of Ramadan and not fasting it and offering compensation for not fasting. This rule was abrogated by making fasting of Ramadan obligatory for Muslims. 

Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 

2:184 Fasting is on certain days. So, whoever of you is sick or on a journey, then an equal number of days should be made up. And those who can fast it with difficulty should pay a ransom, feeding a needy person. Whoever volunteers, it will be better for him and if you fast, it will be better for you if you know. 

At the beginning of the ayah, it was permissible for a believer to fast the month of Ramadan or not fast it and pay a ransom for not fasting by feeding a needy person. 

This rule was abrogated by making fasting the month of Ramadan obligatory on the believers who witness the month of Ramadan and can fast it and not travelling. 

Types of Abrogation in Respect of the Abrogating Rule

Abrogating the Quran by the Quran and abrogating the Sunnah by the Sunnah

1. Abrogating a rule in the Quran by a rule in the Quran. 

For example, the rule mentioned in ayah 2:240 is abrogated by a rule mentioned in ayah 234, which are above-mentioned. 

2. Abrogating a rule in the Sunnah by a rule in the Quran

For example, abrogating the rule, which makes obligatory to face Jerusalem when praying, which was confirmed by the Sunnah. This rule was abrogated by a rule, which makes obligatory to face the Kaaba in Makkah, which was confirmed by the Quran. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 

2:144 We have seen the turning of your face to heaven. So, We shall surely make you turn towards a qiblah, which shall please you. So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque. And wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it…

3. Abrogation of a rule mentioned in the Sunnah by a rule mentioned in the Sunnah 

For example, Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘I forbade you from visiting the graves, but you may visit them now.’  

The Sunnah confirmed the first rule of forbidding visiting the graves. Then, the Sunnah also confirmed the second rule permitting visiting the graves. 

Mutawatir narration is a successive narration, which is conveyed by narrators so numerous that it is inconceivable that they have agreed to lie. 

The entire Quran is mutawatir. The Sunnah of Messenger Muhammad is either mutawatir or ahaad. 

Ahaad narration is a narration that is not mutawatir.

a. The majority of scholars of jurisprudence maintain that is possible that a rule mentioned in a mutawatir Sunnah abrogates a rule mentioned in the Quran. That is because mutawatir Sunnah is a revelation from Allah that Messenger Muhammad conveyed.

b. It is possible that a rule mentioned in a mutawatir Sunnah abrogates another mutawatir Sunnah.

c. It is possible that a rule mentioned in a mutawatir Sunnah abrogates ahaad narration.

d. It is possible that a rule mentioned in ahaad Sunnah abrogates a rule mentioned in ahaad narration.

e. It is impossible that a rule mentioned in an ahaad narration abrogates a rule mentioned in the Quran. 

Summary of Types of Abrogation of the Quran and the Sunnah

a) The abrogating rule is equal to the abrogated

1. Abrogating a rule mentioned in the Qur’an by a rule mentioned in the Qur’an.

2. Abrogating a rule mentioned in a mutawatir Sunnah by a rule mentioned in a mutawatir Sunnah.

3. Abrogating a rule mentioned in ahaad Sunnah by a rule mentioned in ahaad Sunnah. 

b) The abrogating rule is superior to the abrogated

1. Abrogating a rule mentioned in ahaad Sunnah by the Qur’an.

2. Abrogation a rule mentioned in ahaad Sunnah by mutawatir Sunnah.

3. Abrogating a rule mentioned in mutawatir Sunnah by the Qur’an. 

Concise Introduction to Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on al-Waraqat By Imam al-Harmayn [Part 16]
English translation, and newfangled commentary on Imām al‑Ḥaramayn al‑Juwaynī’s Kitāb al‑Waraqāt fī uṣūl al‑fiqh
The Noble Quran Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir
Al-Juwayni
Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Fatihah

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Adiyat

Name of the Surah

This surah is called Al-Adiyat because it begins by swearing by Al-Adiyat, namely, horses of fighters for Allah’s sake, running to fight the enemy.

Relationship between Surah al-Az-Zalzalah and Surah Al-Adiyat

Both surahs refer to the Day of Judgment and that all that is buried in the earth will be brought out on that day.

99:2 and the earth brings forth her burdens,

100:9 Does he not know that when what is in the graves is brought out, 

Surah Az-Zalzalah mentions that man will be recompensed for his deeds, good or evil. In surah Al-Adiyat, he is reproached for denying Allah’s blessings on him and favoring the fleeting life of this world over the lasting life of the Hereafter, which causes him not to be prepared for meeting Allah on the Day of Judgment by obeying the commands of Allah and avoiding His prohibitions.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Adiyat 

• Surah Al-Adiyat mentions that man normally denies Allah’s blessings and he acknowledges this disposition.

• Man extremely loves wealth.

• In surah Al-Adiyat, man is exhorted to be prepared for the Day of Judgment by performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake, and warning of Allah’s severe punishment. 

• Surah Al-Adiyat refers to the high rank of those who fight for Allah’s sake and the distinguished status of the horses that are assigned for the sake of Allah.

Surah Al-Adiyat, Revealed in Makkah, Contains  11 Ayah

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

100:1 By the chargers, snorting, 

100:2 by the strikers, igniting sparks, 

100:3 by the dawn-raiders, 

100:4 then, raising thereby a trail of dust,

100:5 then, penetrating thereby into the midst of the assembly. 

100:6 Indeed, man, to his Lord, is ungrateful, 

100:7 and truly he is a witness to that.

100:8 And truly his love for wealth is ardent. 

100:9 Does he not know that when what is in the graves is brought out, 

100:10 and what is in the breasts is made known?

100:11 Indeed, on that day their Lord is fully aware of them.

Tafsir

100:1 By the chargers, snorting, 

100:2 by the strikers, igniting sparks, 

100:3 by the dawn-raiders, 

Allah, Exalted be He, swears by the chargers, snorting when setting out to fight for Allah’s sake. He also swears by the horses that strike the enemy, igniting sparks when their hooves strongly hit the ground, and raid against the enemy in the dawn. 

 Allah, Exalted be He, can swear by whatever thing of His creatures, but the created being can only swear by Allah.

100:4 then, raising thereby a trail of dust,

100:5 then, penetrating thereby into the midst of the assembly. 

As the horses run for fighting for Allah’s sake, they raise a trail of dust by their hooves. Then, they penetrate into the midst of the assembly of the enemy.

Allah swears by the horses because they are used to fighting for His sake. In addition, swearing by the horses implies their high rank so the believers should take care of raising them and training to ride them, which will make them accustomed to seeking noble pursuits and diligent performance of their tasks.

In sum, Allah swears by the horses that those who fight for His sake ride as they vigorously run on the battlefield that the sound of their snorting is heard and their hooves make sparks of fire. Those horses raid and penetrate the enemy’s camp in the morning. 

The morning is specifically mentioned because it is the usual time for raids. The attackers usually prepare for the raid at night so that their enemy will not feel about their preparation. Then, they attack them in the morning. 

100:6 Indeed, man, to his Lord, is ungrateful, 

100:7 and truly he is a witness to that.

Man normally denies Allah’s blessings on him. Instead of submitting to Allah’s commands and thanking Him for the countless blessings that He bestows on him, man thinks that he is given them because he deserves them. This is the condition of most people, save those whom Allah has given His bounty on them and guided them to be thankful for all His blessings on them. In addition, man acknowledges that he denies Allah’s blessings on him as he keeps on disobeying Allah without fear of His severe punishment. At times of comfort and opulence, man is heedless of Allah’s commands, but at times of hardship and afflictions, he desperately asks Allah for help and support. 

 100:8 And truly his love for wealth is ardent. 

Man ardently loves wealth. He spares no effort to earn it even if he attains it unlawfully. He spends his life collecting it and sometimes he may make it his priority as if he will not die and forgets to prepare for the lasting life of the Hereafter. This is the case of most people except those Allah has mercy on them by showing the right method of dealing with wealth. 

100:9 Does he not know that when what is in the graves is brought out, 

100:10 and what is in the breasts is made known?

100:11 Indeed, on that day their Lord is fully aware of them.

 Man denies Allah’s blessings on him and disregards His commands and rules. Does he not know what his end will be? Does he not know what will happen to him when what is in the graves is brought out? On the Day of Judgment, all people will be brought out of their graves for reckoning. On that day, what is in the breasts of people will be made known, good or evil. No one can conceal what he did in the life of this world and he will justly be recompensed for it.

Indeed, Allah, their Lord, is fully aware of people on the Day of Judgment, and He will justly reward those who obey His commands and those who disobey them. Allah knows what people do and nothing of their affairs is hidden from Him. On the Day of Judgment, which is a horrifying day, people will reap the fruits of their deeds, good or evil. 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Adiyat

•     Motivating to fight for Allah's sake by preparing horses for this task and taking care of them.

• Man usually denies Allah’s blessings on him except those whom Allah protects and guides to the right path.

• At times of comfort, man normally enjoys Allah’s blessings on him and is heedless of His commands, but at times of hardship, he desperately invokes Allah to remove it.

• Man ardently loves wealth, save when belief in Allah’s Oneness and hoping to meet Him on the Day of Judgment refine this natural disposition.

• On the Day of Judgment, people will be brought out of their graves for reckoning and Allah will justly recompense them for their deeds, good, or evil.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Adiyat
The Noble Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir English Translation of Tafsir of Surah Al-Adiyat
English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Bayyinah
The Noble Quran Surah Jonah English Translation and Tafsir 

The Noble Quran: Tafsir of Surah Abasa Ayah 24- 32 Allah’s Blessings on Man

Learn English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Az-Zalzalah

 

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called surah Az-Zalzalah because it begins by mentioning the devastating earthquake that will take place when the Day of Judgment occurs. In the Arabic language, zalzal means shake strongly and terribly, which will be the case on the Day of Judgment when all that in this universe will be destroyed. This surah was revealed in al-Madinah. 

Relationship between Surah Al-Bayyinah and surah Az-Zalzalah  

At the end of surah Al-Bayyinah, it is mentioned that the end of the disbelievers will be Hell and the end of the believers will be Paradise. Then, surah Az-Zalzalah mentions when the recompense will take place and its signs, namely, the Day of Judgment. On that day, the earth will shake and bring forth all that is underneath its dust. It is as if someone asks, ‘When the recompense will take place?’ Then, it is said, ‘When the earth is shaken with a mighty shaking.’

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Az-Zalzalah 

• Surah Az-Zalzalah speaks about the creed of the Oneness of Allah and refers to the horrors of the Day of Judgment.

• Surah Az-Zalazlah mentions that a terrible earthquake will take place on the Day of Judgment and that the dead will come out of their graves for reckoning. The earth will inform of all that happened on it.

• People will be called to account for their deeds on the Day of Judgment and recompensed according to their deeds, good or evil.

Surah Az-Zalzalah, Revealed in al-Madinah, Contains 8 Ayah

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

 99:1 When the earth is shaken with a mighty shaking,

99:2 and the earth brings forth her burdens,

99:3 and man says, ‘What is the matter with her?’-

99:4 on that day she will tell her news,

99:5 for your Lord has inspired her.

99:6 On that day, men will come forth, separately, to see their deeds.

99:7 And whoever has done an atom’s weight of good will see it, 

99:8 and whoever has done an atom’s weight of evil will see it.

Tafsir

99:1 When the earth is shaken with a mighty shaking,

99:2 and the earth brings forth her burdens,

On the Day of Judgment, the earth will shake with a mighty shaking so that all that is on it will be destroyed. Then, the earth will bring forth her burdens, namely, all that is buried beneath it, such as the dead and treasures.

After the second blowing of the Trumpet, the earth will bring forth all things buried under it.

99:3 and man says, ‘What is the matter with her?’-

When this great event takes place, people will be terrified and perplexed. Each person will say, ‘What is the matter with the earth? Why does it shake and bring forth all things buried beneath it?’ 

 99:4 on that day she will tell her news,

99:5 for your Lord has inspired her.

On the Day of Judgment, which is terrifying and horrible, the earth will tell its news.

Allah, the Able, will inspire the earth and make her able to speak. He will give her permission to tell what happened on it. Thus, she will tell what happened on it, whether good or evil. 

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘[99:4 on that day she will tell her news,] Do you know what is her news?’ His companions said, ‘Allah and his Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘Her news is that it will testify against or for every person, and inform about what he/she did on it. She will say, ‘He/she did such and such on such a day.’ Then, he said, ‘This is her news [Sunan An-Nasa’i].’’ 

 Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘If you are in the desert, raise your voice when you call for the prayer, for I heard Messenger Muhammad says, ‘No jinn, a human being, a tree, or a rock will hear him, but will testify for him [Sunan Ibn Majah].’ 

99:6 On that day, men will come forth, separately, to see their deeds.

The ayah mentions how the conditions of people will be on the Day of Judgment. They will come forth out of their graves to the place of reckoning. Their conditions will be different. Some will be afraid and some will be fearless and happy. They will come out of their graves to see the deeds that they did in the life of this world, good or evil, and they will see the recompense thereof.

99:7 And whoever has done an atom’s weight of good will see it, 

99:8 and whoever has done an atom’s weight of evil will see it.

Whoever has done an atom’s weight of good deed will see the good fruit thereof. He will be recompensed for his righteous deeds even if they are very little. The obedient will see the great recompense that Allah has prepared for His righteous slaves.

And whoever has done an atom’s weight of evil deed will see the evil fruit thereof. He will be recompensed for his evil deeds even if they are very little. The disobedient will see the severe recompense that Allah has prepared for the wrongdoers. 

Indeed, all deeds that man does in the world of this life is recorded in a book that does not leave anything, small or big. On the Day of Judgment, man will justly be recompensed for his deeds.

Ayah 7&8 combines the most sublime and wise method of arousing desire and warning. They summarize the entire journey of man in two concise sentences. No matter how long man will live in the world of this life, his journey will end and he will see the fruits of his journey in the Hereafter, good or evil. 

Adi bin Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘Protect yourselves from the fire of Hell even by giving charity that is equal to a half of a date. And if half of a date is unavailable, then by saying a pleasant word [Al-Musnad As-Sahih Al-Mukharj ala Sahih Muslim].’  The prophetic narration emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds even if they are very little, and the doer will find their fruits on the Day of Judgment.

Learned Lessons from Surah Az-Zalzalah 

• One of the signs of the occurrence of the Day of Judgment is that the earth will shake and bring forth all that is buried beneath it.

• When the earth shakes, man will be extremely terrified and ask why she shakes and brings forth all that is beneath it.

• On the Day of Judgment, Allah will reveal to the earth so that she will tell all that happened on her surface, good or evil.

• On the Day of Judgment, people will come out of their graves for reckoning. They will see the records of their deeds, and be recompensed justly for them.

• Those who do righteous deeds will find the good fruits of their deeds on the Day of Judgment. Similarly, those who do evil deeds will find the evil fruits of their deeds. 

• People will justly be recompensed for their deeds no matter how small they may be.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Az-Zalzalah
The Noble Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir English Translation of Surah Az-Zalzalah 
The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Ad-Duha
The Noble Quran Surah ar-Ra’d English Translation and Tafsir

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Bayyinah

 

Surah Al-Bayyinah, Revealed in al-Madinah, Contains 8 Ayah

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

98:1 Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their way until the clear proof should come to them.

98:2 A Messenger from Allah, reciting Scriptures, purified,

98:3 wherein are true Books.

98:4 And the People of Scripture differed not except after the clear proof came to them.

98:5 And they were not commanded but to worship Allah, sincerely devoting the religion to Him, upright, and perform the prayer and give the zakat, and that is the religion of the uprightness. 

98:6 Verily those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the Fire of Hell, abiding therein; those are the worst of creatures.

98:7 Verily those who believe and perform righteous deeds, those are the best of creatures. 

98: 8 Their recompense with their Lord will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein. Allah will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him; that is for him who fears his Lord.

Tafsir

98:1 Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their way until the clear proof should come to them.

Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture, namely, the Jews and Christians, and the polytheists would not leave off their disbelief in the Oneness of Allah and following the path of misguidance until clear should come to them.

The clear evidence is sending Messenger Muhammad and revealing the Quran. When clear proof came to them, some of them believed in it, and some disbelieved. 

The People of Scripture used to say that they would not leave off their creed until the messenger, who was mentioned in the Gospel, came. They were determined to follow the creed that he would bring and be united when the truth came. 

The People of the Scripture are mentioned first since their attitude of disbelieving in the Oneness of Allah is more hideous because they read in their books that Allah would send Muhammad as His Messenger, and they knew his attributes and description. Thus, they were able to ascertain his truthfulness. However, when Allah sent Messenger [peace be upon him], they disbelieved in him and refused to follow him out of stubbornness and evil intention. 

98:2 A Messenger from Allah, reciting Scriptures, purified,

98:3 wherein are true Books.

The proof that came to the People of Scripture and the polytheists was sending Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to invite them to believe in the Oneness of Allah. 

The disbelievers among the People of Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their invalid creed until a noble messenger from Allah came to them. Allah’s messenger would recite to them purified Scriptures wherein true Books. These Scriptures have the truth and guide to the right path. 

In other words, the disbelievers among the People of Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their invalid creed until Messenger Muhammad came to them. He would recite to them the Quran wherein the truth and guidance that lead to the right path. 

98:4 And the People of Scripture differed not except after the clear proof came to them.

The people of Scripture did not differ about the truthfulness of Messenger Muhammad except after the clear proof came to them. Allah sent Messenger Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran, which confirmed his truthfulness. 

The People of Scripture differed about his prophethood out of stubbornness and envy. Some of them believed in the truthfulness of the message that Messenger Muhammad brought from Allah and some denied it.

The ayah is a consolation to Messenger Muhammad for the negative attitude of the People of the Scripture towards his prophethood and Islam. Their denial of the truth was not because of ignorance; rather, it was out of envy and stubbornness.

The People of Scripture are specifically mentioned to make clear that their unfavorable attitude was more hideous than that of the polytheists because they knew the truth and denied it.  

98:5 And they were not commanded but to worship Allah, sincerely devoting the religion to Him, upright, and perform the prayer and give the zakat, and that is the religion of the uprightness. 

The People of Scripture differed about the truthfulness of Messenger Muhammad though they were commanded in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran to worship Allah alone, sincerely devoting their worship to Him, uprightly adhere to Islam, renounce all other creeds, perform the prayer, and give the zakat. What they were commanded to do necessitates that they should be united, not differ. The message that Messenger Muhammad brought was the same message that the former messengers of Allah brought. Their message was to invite people to worship Allah alone and obey His commands, which is the religion of uprightness.

The ayah is a consolation to Messenger Muhammad. It is as it says to him, ‘Do not be sad for their unfavorable attitude and disagreement over the Islamic message that Allah revealed to you. They differed not because they did not do have proof; rather, they differed out of stubbornness and envy. Similarly, their ancestors differed about the Sabbath and worshipping the calf after knowing the truth and establishing the proof against them.’

98:6 Verily those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the Fire of Hell, abiding therein; those are the worst of creatures.

The ayah mentions the evil end of the disbelievers in the Hereafter. 

Verily, those who disbelieve among the Jews, the Christians, and the polytheists will be in Hell in the Hereafter, and they will abide therein suffering its severe and lasting punishment. 

Those disbelievers are the worst of creatures because they insist on disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, which is the greatest sin that man commits and deserves the most painful punishment. 

 98:7 Verily those who believe and perform righteous deeds, those are the best of creatures. 

98: 8 Their recompense with their Lord will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein. Allah will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him; that is for him who fears his Lord. 

After mentioning the evil end of the disbelievers in the Hereafter, the ayah mentions the happy end of the believers, which agrees with the unique characteristic of the Quran style. It mentions something, and then it mentions its opposite to drive the intended meaning home and clearly shows the difference between the two things. 

Verily, those who believe in the Oneness of Allah, obey His commands, perform righteous deeds for Allah’s sake, and avoid His prohibitions, are the best creatures.

In the Hereafter, their recompense with their Lord, Allah, will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein enjoying lasting happiness. 

Allah will be pleased with them and accept their righteous deeds, and they will be pleased with Allah and happy with the immense reward that He will give them for their belief in His Oneness and obeying His commands. Indeed, such a great reward will be for him who fears Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. 

Learned Lessons from Surah al-Bayyinah 

• Islam has a great favor on humanity. Without the advent of Islam, humanity cannot know the true faith and the right creed.

• The disbelievers among the People of the Scripture, namely, the Jews and the Christians, and the polytheists knew the true faith and the right path after the coming of the clear proof, namely, Messenger Muhammad, to whom Allah revealed the Quran, containing all that man needs to achieve happiness in the life of this world and the Hereafter.

• Some of the People of the Scripture are disbelievers, and some are believers in the message that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] brought. As for the polytheists, they are all disbelievers. 

• The People of the Scripture are specifically criticized for differing about the truthfulness of Messenger Muhammad because they know the truth. They know that Allah would send Muhammad as His Messenger; however, when he came, some of them disbelieved his message.

• Before Allah revealed His revelation to Messenger Muhammad, the Jews, and the Christians were united about his coming; however, when Allah’s revelation came to him, some of them denied his prophethood out of stubbornness and envy.

• The Jews and the Christians are commanded to worship Allah alone in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran. They are also commanded to perform the prayer and give the Zakat.

• Acts of worship must be sincere and done only for the sake of Allah.

• The disbelievers deserve to enter Hell, abide therein, and they are described as the worst creatures because they disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah.

• Those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and perform righteous deeds deserve to be called the best creatures, enter Paradise wherein they will enjoy lasting happiness, attain Allah’s pleasure, and be pleased with the reward that Allah has prepared for them.

• Those who fear Allah by worshipping Him alone, obeying His commands, and avoiding His prohibitions will attain Allah’s pleasure and His great reward.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Bayyinah
The Noble Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir English Translation of Surah Al-Bayyinah
Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Bayyinah
The Noble Quran: English Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Fajr Ayah 1-14 The Fate of the Disbelievers
098 Surah Al Baiyina by Mishary Al Afasy 

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Bayyinah

 

Name of the Surah 

This surah is named Al-Bayyinah because it begins with this ayah: 

98:1 Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their way until the clear proof ‘al-Bayyinah’ should come to them.

 Al-Bayyinah means evidence and proof. 

The disbelievers among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will not leave their way of disbelieving in the Oneness of Allah until clear proof should come to them, namely, the Quran that Allah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad. 

Surah al-Bayyinah was revealed in al-Madinah. 

Relationship between Surah Al-Qadr and Surah Al-Bayyinah

Surah Al-Qadr comes before surah al-Bayyinah according to the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf. Allah, Exalted be He, mentions that the Quran was revealed in the Night of Decree in surah Al-Qadr.

Surah Al-Bayyinah mentions the reason for which the Quran was revealed, namely, the Quran is the clear proof that has come to the disbelievers among the people of the Scripture and the polytheists. 

The disbelievers among the people of Scripture and the polytheists have no excuse for their disbelief in Allah’s Oneness after Allah revealed the Quran that contains clear proofs confirming His Oneness and that He is the only God, Who deserves sincere worship.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah al-Bayyinah

• Surah Al-Bayyinah mentions the nature of the relationship of the People of the Scripture, namely, the Jews and Christians, and the polytheists with the message of Messenger Muhammad and their attitude towards it. 

• Surah Al-Bayyinah mentions the fundamental goal of belief in Allah, namely, sincere worship of Allah. 98:5 And they were not commanded but to worship Allah, sincerely devoting the religion to Him, upright, and perform the prayer and give the zakat, and that is the religion of the uprightness. 

• Surah Al-Bayyinah reprimands the People of the Scripture and the polytheists for their insistence on following the path of misguidance after the truth has become clear to them by sending Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] and revealing the Quran.

• This surah mentions the end of the disbelievers will be Hell in the Hereafter and that they are the worst of the creatures. It also mentions the end of the believers will be in Paradise in the Hereafter and that they are the best of the creatures. 

Virtue of Surah al-Bayyinah

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad said to Ubayy bin Ka’b, ‘Allah has commanded me to recite to you the following surah: 98:1 Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists would not leave off their way until the clear proof should come to them. Ubayy said, ‘Has Allah mentioned my name?’ Messenger Muhammad said, ‘Yes.’ Thereupon, Ubbay wept [Sahih Al-Bukhari]. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Bayyinah

The Noble Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir English Translation of Surah Al-Bayyinah

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah At-Tin

The Noble Quran, Introduction to English Translation, and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qadr

Surat Al-Bayyinah (The Clear Proof) | Mishary Rashid Alafasy |