S50. SURAH QUAAF
NAME: The Surah begins with the letter “Quaaf’ which is also its name.
TIME OF REVELATION: It is Makkan and the subject matter indicates that it might have been revealed in the initial period of the Makkan era.
CENTRAL THEME : To create certainty of faith regarding the life after death, Gathering for Resurrection, the Paradise and the Hell.
ORDER OF THE VERSES : In ayah 1 to5,while showing the grandeur of the holy Quran, doubts entertained by infidels about Resurrection have been removed. In ayah 6 to 11, attention has been drawn toward the signs present in the sky and on the earth which are proofs of Allah’s Might, His Over-lordship and His Wisdom and pondering over which creates certainly about the life after death. Ayah 12 to 15 provide a lesson from the disastrous end of those nations which had falsified the Prophets only because they had forewarned them about the life after death. Ayah 16 to 35 have picturized the recording of human deeds, the Resurrection, the Paradise and the Hell in such a way as that the Resurrection has already occurred and all these things are before our eyes. Ayah 36 to 37 present admonition. And Ayah 38 to 45 are the concluding ayaat of this Surah wherein the holy Prophet has been advised to stick to his stand, to recite Allah’s praise and to admonish people through the holy Quran.
SPECIAL IMPORTANCE: Though this Surah is made up of little ayah, therein in addition to other basic matters, the picture of the Resurrection has been drawn in such a way that we feel that we are in the midst of the Resurrection and are observing the Paradise and Hell with our own eyes. In view of this speciality its recitation in the salaats of Fridays and Eids is considered more appropriate. It is recorded in Hadith that the holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to recite it in the prayer of Eid and in the Sermon (Khutba) of Friday. (Muslim, Kitaabus Salaatil Eidain). Moreover, it is also an established fact that he used to recite it often in the early morning prayer of Fajr. (Muslim, Kitaabus Salaat).
50. SURAH QUAAF Ayah : 45
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. Quaaf.1 By the Glorious Quran.2
2. But these people wondered that a warner came to them from among themselves. So the disbelievers said: This is rather a strange thing.3
3. What! When we will die and will become dust shall we be made alive again? This returning is far (from intellect).4
4. We know what the earth curtails from their bodies and WE have a Book which preserves every thing.5
5. But they denied the Truth when it came to them. Therefore, they are in a state of confusion.6
6. Have they not observed the sky above them as to how WE have made it and adorned it and there is no rift in it.7
7. And the earth WE have spread out and cast therein mountains and caused every kind of good looking greenery grow therein.8
1. For the explanation of these separate letters please see Note 1 of Surah Baqarah and Note 1 of Surah Yunus.
In this Surah (Quaaf) points to Quran the grandeur of which has been described in the first ayah and the instruction to obtain guidance where from has been given in the last ayah. In making of this Surah begin with this letter there is also rhythmic aspect also. This letter (its sound) is fully in rhythm with the whole of this Surah. Its pronunciation alerts the hearer that something very important is about to be disclosed and thus it makes him or her attentive.
2.“Majeed” (glorious) is the adjective used for Quran which means having majesty and prominence. As clarified earlier, swearing, in Arabic, comes in the meaning of witness. Here, this quality of the holy Quran, that it is glorious and prominent, is being presented as a witness to the holy prophet’s prophethood. It means that the person who is presenting it is not the possessor of it but that it has been revealed to him by Allah who has sent him as His messenger so that he may warn the people that they will be raised after their deaths and that they will be made to stand in the presence of Allah to get their reward or punishment.
3. That is: After seeing its glory and majesty, these people, instead of recognizing the Quran as the Word of Allah and acknowledging its presenter as the Messenger of Allah, wondered as to how a man who was just like them became a prophet; presuming that only a superhuman being could be a messenger of Allah.
4. What astonished them more was that the Quran and the prophet were informing them that they would be made to rise up after they had died. They were thinking how is it at all possible when a dead body after decadence mixes with dust? So when the body is no more how it can be made to rise up? They said it was very far from intellect.
5. That is: Allah has full knowledge of each and every particle of human body which mixes up. with dust. HE has kept a full record of every element. So on HIS Order every human being will rise up instantaneously with his or her original body.
6. That is: The truth about what is going to happen after death is that what Quran disclosed. But when these people falsified the Quranic truth they fell in doubt about the life after death and started to talk in contradictory and confusing manners.
When man denies truth he deprives himself of any foundation of confidence. Thereafter he talks inconsistently and confusingly A clear example of this is the belief in transmigration of souls which is a mixture of contradictory ideas which drowns man into the worst kind of confusion. Contrary to it, the things Quran invites us to believe in are clear, precise, unambiguous, explicit and quite comprehensive and intelligible truths which appeal human hearts and create confidence that they are bound to occur inevitably.
7. Had these deniers observed the sky with an intention of recognizing its Creator, they would have definitely discerned the hand of an absolutely powerful being. They would have perceived both HIS Glory and HIS Grace. And when he would have perceived this knowledge about the Creator of the Universe, he would have, never wondered at the truth about man’s resurrection after death. Nor would they have thought it impossible, because, HE has already done far more wonderful things like creating such a vast sky, beautifying it with innumerable stars and strengthening it in such a solid way that it has not developed even a slight rift during such a long span of time. Is this not a great sign of HIS Power, unlimited? Moreover, modern science has uncovered many more minute details of the wonders in the outer space. But, alas, man only gains an increase in his physical knowledge and detracts his attention from the truth about the Great and the Mighty ONE Who has created all this and who manage all these affairs flawlessly.
8. Just as the wonders of Almighty Allah’s might can be seen in the skies so can they be observed in earth also. Making the surface of the earth so vast that billions of human beings can live thereon, to install huge mountains on it to maintain its balance and to supply man with various utilities and benefit, to grow eyecatching greenery in it can be the skill only of an Omnipotent, Grand and Graceful Being.
8. An insight and a reminding for every slave who turns (Toward his Lord).9
9. And We sent down from the sky blessed water 10 whereby We produced gardens and grain for harvests.11
10. And tall date-palms with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over another.12
11. For sustenance of the slaves. And WE enlivened dead land with this (water). Similar will be the coming out after death.13
12. Before them the people of Nooh, the companions of the Rass 14 and the Thamood had denied (the Truth).
13. And also the Aad, the Firaun and the brethren of Loot. 15
14. And the people of Aikah 16 and the folk of Tubbah too.17 All of them falsified the Prophets, therefore, My warning fell on them.18
15. Are WE then wearied with the first creation? (No) But these people are in doubt about the new creation. 19
16. WE have created man and WE know what his soul whispers to him.20 And WE are nearer to him than his jugular vein.21
17. When the two receivers receive (record), sitting on the right and the left. 22
9. These wonders in the heavens and the earth are enough to open the eyes of man. A mindful observance thereof brings forth an aspect of good counsel, provided, man sincerely wants to turn toward Allah.
10. Means the rain which makes the earth open up treasures of gold and give innumerable benefits to man.
11. It is the rain which grows corns which are being harvested, and stored for human consumption.
12. The fine pettals of date bud which are arranged one over another under cover present the best kind of art and craft. And this is only one of the wonders of the vegetable world consisting of various buds and flowers and fruits which make man spellbound. When man observes such things all around him then he is able to recognize both the perfection and the beauty and might of Allah.
13. The water which rains from the sky is both the source of provision for Allah’s slaves and also a sign of HIS Might which makes dead soil become-alive. Just as HE can make dead earth alive so can HE cause dead bodies come out of the earth.
14. For clarification please see Surah Furqan, Note: 51.
15. Prophet Loot was sent as a Messenger toward the residents of Sadoom and Amoorah situated on the shores of the Dead Sea. Since he was not born in that community they have been termed ‘Ikhwan-o-Loot” (Brother of Loot).
16. For explanation please see Surah Hijr, Note: 77.
17. This point has been explained in Surah Dukhan, Note: 39.
18. In these ayah the description of those communities is given who were destroyed because of falsifying the prophets so that those who are falsifying the prophet of the Quran may also think of their future.
19. Allah has not become tired after the first creation of the universe thereby making it difficult to recreate it once again. After seeing the first creation there is no proper reason to doubt about the second creation.
20. ‘Vasvasah’ (whispering) means a low voice and it indicates those thoughts which come to man’s mind and heart. Allah knows even that which comes to man’s mind and heart.
21. Allah is not far from man. Rather HE is very near to him in every way. So much so that HE is nearer even than his jugular vein. Allah’s knowledge has a total grip on man. When it is so why does man not fear HIM and from where does he get the idea (whisper) that he is not accountable to Allah?!
This ayah also points out that when Allah knows even the ideas entering man’s heart and mind it is also not at all difficult for HIM, on the Day of Resurrection, to bring forth the deeds as well as the secret thoughts of each and every person and to reckon the accounts.
22. Means those two angels who are always with every man. One sits on his or her right and the other on left. They pick up each and every word of man. Picking up means recording and preserving that record.
18. He does not utter even a word but there is with him a watcher ready.23
19. And the stuper of the death arrived with truth. This is the thing which you were trying to avoid.24
20. And the trumpet is blown. This is the Day of which you were threatened.25
21. And everybody came in such a condition that along with him is a driver and a witness. 26
22. You were heedless of this. WE have removed that veil which was on you. So today your eyesight is very sharp.27
23. His companion said this is what I had ready.28
24. (Came the commandment) Throw into Hell every disbelieving enemy of Truth.29
25. Hinderer of good, transgressor of bounds, caster into doubts.
26. Who attributed other gods to Allah.30 So hurt him into the terrible torment.
27. His companion said: Our Lord! I did not make him a rebel. But he himself had a strayed far.31
28. Came HIS Order: Do not quarrel in My presence. I had forewarned you of My punishment.32
23. When man utters anything the angel overseeing him records it instantaneously. Nothing remains unrecorded. How do these two angels coordinate their functions and how exactly do they sit etc. has not been mentioned either in the Quran or in the Hadith. Hence the general description given by the Quran should be considered sufficient. As regards noting of each and every word, it is no more an astonishment for the modern man who is well aware of machines like tape recorders. Rather these inventions are a testimony to the truth of the holy Quran.
This ayat mentions recording of words. Surah Infitar mentions recording of deeds :-
“Overseers are appointed for you. Revered writers who know each and every deed of yours”.(Infitar: 10-12) And in Surah Zilzaal:
“Then whosoever has done an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whosoever has done an atom’s weight of evil, will see it.” (Zilzal: 7-8)
It becomes quite clear from these statements of the holy Quran that every word, deed and movement of everybody is being preserved (recorded) in such a way that, on the Day of Qiyamah, he will see with his own eyes even the minutest of his acts, be it good or bad. In other words the entire life of everyone is being filmed in this world and he will see this movietone on the Day of Resurrection. And that film will be so perfect in comparison with any man made film that it will be unique.
If man keeps this truth in mind his life will be very wellguarded. Before uttering any word he will think whether or not it will put him in the dock and prior to doing any work he will worry as to whether it will be regarded as good or as evil.24. At the time of death man becomes almost unconscious. But Truth dawns upon his soul. If he was a disbeliever he is told that here is the Truth which you were trying to evade during your life. In other words, death is a preamble to Resurrection. At the moment of death man is able to see angels as well as the hidden world.
25. This is the picturization of Qiyamah, At the second blow of the trumpet all dead men will become alive and come out of their graves. At that time they will be told that this is the Day about which you were threatened; in your worldly life.
26. There will be two angels with every person. One will be driving him toward the Field of Gathering and the other will accompany him as a witness to whatever he did in the world.
27. This thing will be told to everybody who was heedless about Resurrection. This heedlessness had drawn a veil over his eyes which will be removed on the Day. Consequently his eyesight will be sharp enough to see the events of the Day of Resurrection.
We are hereby informed that the eyesight of those who are aware of the Day of Resurrection is sharp in this world also and they are able to observe the events of the Resurrection in the light of the holy Quran.
28. Companion (Qareen) means the angel who was appointed to oversee the fellow. Recording his deeds he will say: this record is ready, here it is.
29. This order will be issued to those two angels who will bring the criminals to the Court of Allah, that is, the Saaiq (the driver) and the Shaheed (the witness).
30. Five qualities of a disbeliever have been described here: he is an enemy and opponent of the Truth, he prevents others also from accepting the Truth and from doing good deeds, he breaks religious and moral limits, he spreads doubts and suspicions about Islam and he worships gairullaah (other than Allah) which is polytheism, an unpardonable sin. These are some of the habits of the unbeliever. Other habits are also mentioned elsewhere.
31. In this ayah “Qareen” (companion) indicates Satan who had been a friend of this fellow in the world.
It becomes clear from the manner of description that when this fellow will be ordered to be thrown into a severe torment he will hold the devil responsible for his rebellion. Contradicting him, the devil will say that I did not apply any force on him to follow me but he him-self had gone deep into waywardness. Hence he is the real culprit.
32. This disputation is of no use. I had cautioned you through My messengers in the world, that if you will indulge in disbelief you will have to taste its severe punishment in the Hereafter.
29. My Word will not be changed33 and I never deal unjustly with My slave.34
30. The Day when WE will ask Hell: Are you full? And it will say: Is there yet any more?35
31. And the Paradise will be brought near the God-fearing. Not away at all.36
32. This is the thing which was being promised to you. For everyone who was oft-returning (to Allah)37 and a guard.38
33. Who feared the Most Gracious unseen39 and who has come with a penitent heart (full of devotion).40
34. Enter the Paradise in peace.41 This is the Day of eternity.42
35. For them there will be all that they wish. And with us will be more.43
36. Before them WE have destroyed many nations who were mightier then them.44 They had penetrated many countries of the world. Did they then find any place of refuge?45
37. Surely there is a lesson in this for everybody who has a heart or who hears attentively.46
38. WE created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days.47And weariness did not touch us. 48
33. That is: My decision is final and inalterable that I will fill the Hell with Satan and his followers.
34. This eternal torment of Hell destined for these disbelievers will not be unjust. It will be only to meet the demands of justice and Truth. Those people who dare object to the Divine decision, seeing the mention of such severe punishments, begin to think that (God forbid). Allah is unjust. In their view it is justice that Allah should not differentiate between HIS faithful servants and rebellious creatures; that HE should, instead of punishing the rebels. reward them with HIS bounties or should not establish the Court in Hereafter at all. But both these desires of them are unjust and totally incorrect. The worldly governments award both life sentences as well as order execution to their rebels and for hardcore criminals and such punishments are being considered just. How do they then term the eternal severe punishments to be given to Allah’s rebels as harsh? Regarding the idea of not establishing the COURT at all, it only means that the existence of this world and of man therein is totally absurd and meaningless. If man has to become nil and nothing after death then there is no aim of this shorts-panned worldly life. It becomes absolutely aimless and fruitless.
It is also undeniable that injustice is being committed to either grab someone’s right or to fulfill some kind of unlawful desire. But no such idea can be entertained in case of Allah. HE is needless. HE does not require anything. Why then HE should do injustice to His slaves?!
35. Do not wonder as to how such a big number of disbelievers which may run into billions of jinns and men will be accommodated in the Hell ! Its vastness will be such that even after the dumping therein of such a big number of the ungratefuls it will, say that still more can be accommodated if there are.
36. The fortunate ones will not have to fathom any distance in order to reach the Paradise. No sooner the Judgment is pronounced they will find themselves therein. No barrier of time and space will come in their way.
It is clear from these statements of the Quran that Resurrection will be held on the earth. As regards the nearing of Paradise for the righteous its specific manner is known only to Allah. We cannot compare and imagine the time and space of the Hereafter on the lines of this world.
37. Awwaab’ means oft-returning. One who turns toward Allah most of the time. The one who looks to HIM on every occasion.
38. Means abiding by the Divine regulations and preserving limits marked by Allah. That is: he had lived within the limits of the Shariah.
39. Though he had not seen the Rahman (the Most Gracious), he used to tremble at the thought of HIS Might. It must be kept in mind that the attribute “Rahman” also includes HIS Mightiness.
For further clarification please see Surah Anbiyaa. Note: 68.
40. “Qalbim Muneeb” (the penitent heart) means he came with such a heart which always remained lowly before Allah. He used to obey Allah and worship Allah with full devotion.
The attributes of the God-fearing people are mentioned in this ayat which makes the meaning of “Taqwa” quite clear.
41. Means protected from every danger and every calamity.
42. Today’s success is eternal success and today’s reward is the eternal reward.
43. In Paradise they will get whatever they wish. In addition to that WE will grant more from Ourselves.
44. For explanation please see Surah Room, Note: 16
45. These ancient nations had their influence over various lands. But when the Divine calamity came down on them they could not find any kind of shelter anywhere. What is it then that they are proud of?
46. Means whose heart is alive and alert. Such a man will himself take a lesson from the fate of those nations. But even the one who is not awakened to that extent should at least listen to this mindfully. Thereby too he can obtain some advice. But how can the one who neither himself ponders over these historical events nor gives an ear to the adviser escape its evil consequences?
47. For clarification please see Surah Aaraaf, Note: 82.
48. This is a rebuttal to the Jewish belief that Allah retired for rest on the seventh day which for them is the day of Sabbath.
Says the Bible: “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; there fore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.” (Exodus: 20:11)
This kind of imagination about Allah is in itself false. HE neither gets tired nor does HE require rest. HE Possesses absolute might. If man measures HIM on human scales it is not only man’s narrow mindedness but also a folly.
39. So bear with patience what they say and glorify your Lord with Praise before the rising of the sun and before its setting.49
40. And in some part of the night hallow Him 50 and also after the prostrations (prayers).51
41. And listen! the day the caller will call out from a place nearby.53
42. The Day they will hear that terrifying noise with truth 53 That will be the Day of coming out (Resurrection).54
43. Verily it is WE who give life and cause death and towards US is the returning.
44. The Day the earth will split from above them and they will be coming out hurriedly 55 This gathering is quite easy for US.
45. WE know very well what these people say, and you (O Messenger!) are not one to enforce them 56 So remind by the Quran, those who fear My warning (of punishment).57
49. Do not become nervous due to what these people are saying about you. Rather preserve patience and be steadfast and remain busy in praising your LORD. It will give you peace of mind and heart.
Glorification with praise means to describe Allah’s reverence, in such a manner that it may also remind us of HIS being Perfect and Excellent and Praiseworthy.
Tasbeeh before sunrise means the predawn Fajr prayer (Salaat) and Tasbeeh before sunset indicates the post sunset Salaat of Asr.
50. Means the Ishaa night prayer. Order to offer Fajr, Asr (afternoon) and Ishaa prayers was issued earlier. Thereafter came the commandment for five time salaats please see Surah Bani Israil, Note: 108.
51. Here prostrations, as is evident from the context, means prayer. This is an incentive to praise Allah even after offering Salaat, as Tasbeeh is both a kind of worship and a food for soul. Thus it earns a lot of reward. The holy prophet has described its importance and bounty thus:
“Reciting SUBHAANALLAHI WAL HAMDU LIL-LAAHI WA-LA-ILAAHA IL-LAL-LAAHU WALLA HU AKBAR is dearer to me than this world and everything under the sun.” (Muslim, Kitabuz Zikr)
He has also said:
May I not inform you which word is most pleasing to Allah? It is SUBHAANALLAHI WA BEHAMDIHI.” (Ibid)
Further encouraging us more to recite the words of Tasbeeh and Tahmeed after every salaat. the holy prophet also says :-
‘‘Recite SUBHAANALLAH thirty three times.
ALLAHU AKBAR thirty three times
and ALHAMDULILLAAH thirty three times after every prayer. (Muslim, Kitaabul Masaajid)
It has already been mentioned above in ayah No. 18 that each and every word uttered by man is being recorded. Why then a Momin (true believer) should not recite with his tongue as many words of Divine Praise as possible and adorn his deeds with precious jewels.
52. Be prepared to hear the call which you will hear while coming out of your grave on the Day of Resurrection. Every dead man will hear it and think that the caller is calling from a nearby place. Man of the past could have wondered as to how would it be possible to broadcast a call to come out on the entire surface of earth beneath which innumerable people are buried. But the invention of radio in the modern age has answered this question also. Thus the truthfulness of the holy Quran is being proved all around us.
53. This call of the Hashr (Grand Gathering) will be the call of Truth and will make the Truth dawn upon every hearer.
54. On hearing this voice all dead persons will rise up and come out notwithstanding the existence or otherwise of their graves.
55. This is the picturization of coming out of graves on the Day of Resurrection. When the second trumpet will be blown the earth will split up everywhere and the entire creation which was buried in it will spring out and start running fast.
56. Your job is to admonish them, not to make them believe per force. And when even a Prophet cannot force anybody to accept his religion how can Muslims force others to become believers? As regards Jihad, it is concerned with war aims and not with religious conversion.
57. This is a clear instruction to make Quran the instrument of reminding because, for explaining the Truth, for establishing Allah’s final argument on HIS slaves and for admonishing them, nothing is more effective than the holy Quran. In view of this guidance, those who are busy propagating the religion, inviting people to Truth and who are engaged in teaching and admonishing must present the holy Quran before others together with its meaning and explanation notwithstanding their being Muslim or non- Muslim. They should highlight the Quranic guidance as demanded by events and circumstances. There is a flood of religious books in our time. Every group of Muslims is proud of its own books and literature. But they are not making any significant effort to present Quran with meanings and clarifications. They are paying more attention to their own literature. Exceptions are very few. Due to this, few people refer to Quran for direct understanding of religion. Consequently their thinking does not become wholly Quranic and they adopt only that viewpoint which is presented to them by a particular circle through their books and literature. In order to rise above all kinds of class and group prejudices, it is essential to put more emphasis on understanding the Quran and to make it the main source of teaching and reminding.