Sūrah al-Mursalāt (77) — The Qur’ān Translated

Introduction to this pair

Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics. The first sūrah substantiates the Day of Judgement through evidence found in the world around human beings, historical events and the signs of power and wisdom of the Almighty in the creation of human beings, while the second one validates this claim, in particular, through various manifestations of God’s providence in the world around human beings. In both the sūrahs, alongside arguments, an element of reprimand and admonition is evident from every verse.

The sūrahs are directed at the leadership of the Quraysh, and it is evident from their topics that, like the previous sūrahs, they were also revealed in Makkah in the phase of open warning (indhār-i ‘ām) of Prophet Muḥammad’s (sws) preaching mission.

The theme of both sūrahs is to validate the Day of Judgement, and to warn the Quraysh with its reference.

1–7

These winds whose reins are let loose, then they viciously blow dust all over, and these winds which scatter the clouds, then settle affairs separately, then infuse the hearts with a reminder to leave no justification for some and to warn others, they bear witness that the torment which you are being promised is bound to come.

8–15

For this reason, when the stars are dimmed, and the sky is cleft asunder, and the mountains are crushed to pieces, and the time of the Prophets’ appearance [before their Lord] is appointed – Do you know what day kept them from this appearance? For precisely this Day of Judgement. And what do you know what this Day of Judgement is? Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

16–19

[If they deny, they should tell:] “Did We not destroy those before them? Then did We not continue to put their successors behind them?” Thus do We deal with culprits. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

20–24

[Do you think that We shall not be able to raise you to life after you die?] Did We not create you from an insignificant fluid? Then We placed it in a safe abode until an appointed time. Thus did We estimate; so, how excellent do We estimate! [Then how do you deny?] Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

25–28

Have We not made this earth one that accumulates the living and the dead? And not firmly placed upon it high mountains and not provided for you sweet water [by taking out springs from them]? [Then how do you deny?] Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

29–34

Proceed now to that which you continued to deny. Proceed to the shadow that has three branches [to engulf you from all sides]. It neither provides shade nor does it save from the flames of the fire. It emits sparks as castles – as if they were yellow camels – [you will see all this]. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.¹

35–37

This is the day when they will not be able to speak anything, and nor will they be allowed to [come before their Lord] while offering excuses. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

38–40

This is the Day of Judgement. We have gathered you and all those before you. Now if you can contrive a plot against Me, then do so. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

The God-fearing today will be amid shades and springs and the

41–45

fruits they desire – Eat and drink with relish for the deeds you had been doing. Thus do We reward the well-doers. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

46–47

You too eat and enjoy yourselves for a while. In reality, you are wrongdoers. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

48–49

[They have been blessed with all the favours of this world,] and when they are asked to bow down [before their Lord], they do not do so. Devastation shall on that day be upon those who deny.

[These wrongdoers; they have denied the Qur’ān!] Now, what is it after this discourse that they are going to believe in?