Sūrah 50
Sūrah Qāf
Introduction to this pair
Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics. The theme of both is substantiation of the Day of Judgement and meting out warnings and delivering glad tidings with its reference. In the second sūrah however, historical arguments for substantiation of the Day of Judgement are presented in more detail than in the first one. Besides this, the Qur’ānic warning of worldly punishment is also validated.
Both sūrahs address the Quraysh and it is evident from their topics that they were revealed in Makkah in the phase of open warning (indhār-i ‘ām) of Prophet Muḥammad’s (sws) preaching mission.
Both sūrahs end on a note of assurance to Prophet Muḥammad (sws).
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful.
This is Sūrah Qāf. The glorious Qur’ān bears witness [to itself]. No, the reason for their denial is not the one they present; in fact, they are amazed that a warner [of the Day of Judgement] has come to them from among themselves. Thus these disbelievers have said: “This is a very strange thing. After we die and become dust, will we be returned to life again? Such a return is very improbable.”
[They estimate the extent of Our knowledge too on the basis of their own, whereas] whatever the earth consumes of their bodies is all in Our notice, and with Us also is the book that preserves everything. No! [The reason for their denial is not what they are saying;] in fact, they have denied the truth after it has become manifest to them. So, they are now in a state of confusion.
[They do not believe;] so, have they not observed the sky above them; how We have fashioned and adorned it, and there is no flaw anywhere in it? And We spread the earth and set upon it mountains, and brought forth in it all kinds of beautiful things as an insight and reminder for every person who is attentive. And We sent down blessed water from the sky; We then brought forth from it orchards and crops, which are harvested, and tall palm-trees stacked with clusters of dates as a means of sustenance for people. And We revived a dead piece of land through this very water. Likewise will be the rising [of the dead from the earth].
Before them the people of Noah, the dwellers of the al-Rass, the Thamūd, the ‘Ād, the Pharaoh, the brethren of Lot, the companions of Aykah and the people of Tubba‘ had also denied [on similar grounds]. Each denied My messengers; so, [see] My threat did materialize for them. [Ask them:] Were We not able to create the first time? [None of them can dare dispute this reality?] In fact, these people are in doubt about being created again.
We have created a human being, and We know also whatever thoughts come to his mind, and We are closer to him than even his life-vein.
They should remember when two acquirers seated to their right and left acquire; not a word does a person utter but there is by him a vigilant guardian.
[Alas! O People! You only kept on denying,] and the agony of death arrived with that reality [which was concealed in this worldly life]. This is the very thing you were avoiding. And [look there:] the trumpet has been sounded. This is the very day about which We had warned. Every man has come forth such that with him there is one who drives him ahead and another who bears witness. You remained heedless of this day; so, now We have removed that veil which covered you. Thus sharp is your eyesight today. [Behold Our court of justice has begun its proceedings,] and the companion [–the driving angel–] of that criminal said: “Here is the one who was in my custody.” It was ordered: “Both of you cast into Hell every ingrate, rival, forbidder of good, transgressor of bounds, inflicted with doubts who has set up some other deity besides God; so, fling him into a severe torment.”
His companion [devil] said: “Lord! I did not make him rebellious; in fact, he himself had gone far astray.” God said: “Dispute not in My presence now; I had already informed you of My threat. Words never change with Me, and I do not perpetrate the least injustice to My servants.”
Keep in mind the day when We will ask Hell: “Are you filled up?” and she will reply: “Are there some more?!” And Paradise will be brought close to those who fear God, and it will not be far away. This is what you would be promised with – for every person who was very repenting and protected the limits of his Lord, who would fear the Merciful without seeing Him, and who has come with a heart that used to be inclined [towards God]. Go, enter Our Paradise with peace. This is the day of eternal dwelling, and they will get there whatever they desire, and We have even more.
[Let them be warned!] How many a nation have We destroyed before them who were mightier in power than they. So, [when the punishment came,] their people went forth in the cities wherever they possibly could [asking]: “Is there a place of refuge?” In this, there surely is a great reminder for people who have a heart [in their chests] or who attentively give ear.
[Are they bewildered at being raised to life again after death?] In reality, We had created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days, and no weariness came upon Us too. So, bear with patience whatever they say [O Prophet], and glorify your Lord while extolling Him before the rising of the sun and before its setting, and glorify Him in the night also, and also after the times of the sun’s prostration.
And listen! The day when the caller will call from a place nearby, the day when they will hear the clamorous sound [of the trumpet] with [the announcement of] that [day] which is certain to come. That will be the day of [the dead] coming forth [from the earth]. It is a fact that it is We Who give life and it is We Who give death and [one day everyone has to] return to Us as well, on the day when the earth will be rent asunder from above them; they will be rushing out in haste. Very easy for us is this gathering [them].
[Do not fret over them, O Prophet!] We know whatever they are saying and [remember that] you have not been appointed to force them. So, remind through this Qur’ān those who fear My warning.