S54. SURAH AL-QAMAR

NAME: Splitting of the moon (qamar) has been mentioned in the very first ayah which gives this Surah its name.

TIME OF REVELATION: It is makkan. Ayesha (R.) says “When the ayah (But the real promise with them is that of the Resurrection. And the hour of Resurrection will be very hard and bitter)(Ayah : 46) was revealed when I was a child and used to play. (Bukhari, Kitaabut Tafseer). It appears from this that this Surah was revealed around 10th nabavi year.

CENTRAL THEME : To warn of Allah’s wrath and to frighten the deniers of the holy prophet.

ORDER OF THE VERSES: In ayah 1 to 5 the disbelievers have been shaken asking them as to how they are adamant on their denial when the sign of the Day of Resurrection has become manifest and they have also learned about those historical events which are full of lessons! It is stated in ayah 6 to 8 that these adamant disbelievers will come to their senses only when Qiyamah will have already arrived. Ayah 9 to 42 briefly describe the end of those people who had falsified the prophets; that how they got punishment even in this world. The Quraish have been addressed in ayah 43 to 53 and they have been warned of the bitterness of the Resurrection. Ayah 54 and 55 are the concluding verses of the Surah wherein the righteous have been given the good tidings of Paradise.

54. SURAH AL-QAMAR Ayah: 55

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. The Hour of Resurrection has come near and the moon is cleft asunder.¹

2. And when these people see a Sign they turn back and say it is a magic continuous.²

3. They falsified and followed their desires. And every matter has its appointed time.³

4. The news of those historical events has reached them which contains material sufficient to shake them ⁴

5. Effective wisdom but warnings do avail not. ⁵

6. So turn away from them.⁶ The Day when the summoner will summon them to a very unpalatable thing. ⁷

7. Their eyes will be downcast with disgrace ⁸ and they will come out or their graves in such a way as if they are scattered locusts.⁹

8. Running frightened toward the summoner ¹⁰ The disbelievers will say: this is a very hard day.¹¹

1. The event of the splitting of the moon which occurred probably in the 8th Nabavi year near Makkah at Mina is proved by both the Quran and the true traditions. All the commentators too agree with it unanimously. This verse of the Quran is explicit in the matter that the moon spitted which is a sign of the fact that the Resurrection has come near and that this sign is an indication of the Qiyamah. But after observing this clear sign the disbelievers denied to accept the ‘Truth and said that this is a magic shown by this man (the Messenger); that he has mesmerized our eyes and that this magic is an old thing.

And so far as the authentic Ahadith are concerned there are many narrations in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi and other books of traditions specifically describing this event. Bukhari says:

“Abdullah bin Masood says the moon spitted into two parts in the time of the holy Prophet. One part remained above the mountain and the other behind it. The Holy Messenger said: Be witness.” (Saheehul Bukhari, Kitabut Tafseer)

Abdullah bin Masood is an eye witness to this event. Similarly this happening has been described also by Ali, Huzaifa and Jubair bin Mut’am who too had seen the phenomena with their own eyes. It is also testified by other companions of the messenger. Though they were not eye witnesses themselves, there is no reason to disbelieve their statements.

It should be understood that when Almighty Allah sends His Messenger some such signs do appear which amount to the proof of their truthtelling. At the time when the last law-giver Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent by Allah special precautionary and defence arrangements were made in the heaven like the increase in the number of glowing meteors etc. as mentioned by the jinns in Surah Jinn. Therefore, there is no wonder that this event of moon-splitting occurred in the time of the holy prophet. Deniers were regarding the Resurrection an impossible thing. The Almighty Allah showed to them a flash of Qiyamah by splitting the moon for a while. Thus it became clear that when the moon can split then other space objects too can be scattered. Hence there is no ground for denying Resurrection. Its occurrence has become nearer with the splitting of the moon. It seems the beginning of the dreadful happening of the Qiyamah too will start with the eclipsing of the moon. As mentioned in Surah Qiyamah:

“The man asks: when will be the Day of Resurrection? When eye-sight will be confounded and the moon will be eclipsed.”(Al Qiyamah: 6-8)

Regarding the surface of the moon, the scientists say there are many volcanic craters thereon. This is also seen in the pictures of the surface of the moon. Therefore, no wonder if some volcanic blast might have split the moon into two pieces which might have been rejoined soon due to the nature’s law of gravity.

It should also be noted here that Allah Almighty had shown this event of moonsplitting as a miracle. Whatever happens as a miracle is always of an extraordinary kind. It is not governed by common physical rules. For example: the throne of Queen Bilqees had reached the court of Sulaiman within the twinkling of eye (Surah Naml, Ayah : 40)

while nobody had seen it flying in the space. The staff of Moosa used to become a snake. Yet his snake did not bite anyone. Rather it swallowed the magic of the Firaun’s court magicians, There is a species of the snake. But the event of a staff turning into snake and again taking the shape of a staff, is obviously an exception to the physical laws. Likewise the splitting of the moon too had occurred in an extra-ordinary manner. Hence no one in the world heard its blast nor all the inhabitants of the earth knew of it then and there.

There was no change in the movement of the moon too nor did it have any effect on the environment of the earth. This sign was meant to be shown to those persons as a miracle among whom the Messenger was sent. He was informing them of the impending Qiyamah. So both the Muslims and the disbelievers could see that a piece of the moon remained above the mountain and the other went behind it. It increased the Faith of Believers. But the, disbelievers termed it ‘magic’.

It should also be kept in mind that the miracle of moon-splitting was not shown in response to the disbelievers’ demand. On several occasions the Quran has rejected their demands and said that the miracle of Quran is enough for those who want to at all believe. This miracle was not like a staff turning into snake which would have been occurred through the Prophet’s hands. Its kind was different from the miracles shown by other Messengers. It had occurred in the outer space and it was intended to show that the Day of Resurrection had come near. It was aimed to testify the truth fullness of the Holy Prophet. There is no contradiction between the manifestation of this Sign and those verses of the Quran wherein the disbelievers’ demand for miracles has been rejected.

2. That is: They did not take any lesson even after observing such a grand sign of moonsplitting. They said it was magic.

3. The consequence of their rejection will appear at its time. Allah Almighty has appointed a time for every deal which HE enters with His slaves. So no one should think, due to some delay, that this universe is lawless and that good or bad results would never appear.

4. That is: The news of the adverse end of those nations who had rebelled against Allah. This points to those who had falsified God’s Messengers.

5. The Holy Quran narrates the events of the destroyed nations in such an effective way that it opens the hearts and minds of people who ponder. It teaches every kind of wisdom in the most penetrating way. But the adamancy adopted by them is also such that these warning too do not shake them. Such deniers will come to senses only after testing the Divine punishment.

6. Leave them if they do not at all want to listen.

7. They will understand only when they will hear the summon of the summmoner angel who will order them to line up for gathering in the field of congregation on the day of Resurrection. There they will have to account for their deeds which will be a very unpalatable thing.

8. Because of their denial, rejection and evil deeds.

9. Just as the locust swarms scatter vastly in the space, these people too will come out of their graves that is: from wherever they had perished physically —--spread out in every direction. It will be like a roaring sea of human beings which will be seen all around.

10. Summoner means the angel who will call them to the mauqif (the spot to stand). They will be running toward him dumb-founded. Today they are not prepared to hear the call of the one who is inviting them to Truth. But, on the Day of Judgment, they will be compelled to rush toward the caller who will order them to present themselves for giving the account of their behaviour in their worldly life.

11. On the Day of Resurrection, were denying it and who made no preparation to face it will feel that this is a very hard day indeed. But what is the use of this awareness now?! It is too late.

9. Before this the People of Nooh had falsified ¹² They falsified our slave ¹³ and said: he is a mad man and he was chided away.¹⁴

10. So he invoked his Lord: I am overcome. Now you take revenge from them. ¹⁵

11. Then WE opened the doors of the heaven for a heavy downpour of rain. ¹⁶

12. And caused springs to gush on earth¹⁷ so the waters met for the predestined purpose.¹⁸

13. And WE bore him in a vessel having planks and nails ¹⁹

14. It sailed under OUR watch. This was the reward for the one who was disregarded ²⁰.

15. WE left it (the ship) as a sing.²¹ Then is there anyone who will take admonition.

16. So how was my punishment and how were my warnings!

17. And WE have made the Quran easy for admonition. So is there then anyone who will take admonition ? ²²

18. The Aad falsified, ²³ Then see how was my punishment and how were my warnings!

19. WE let loose on them a furious wind on a day of continuing ominousness.²⁴

12. The story of the community of Nooh has been narrated in Surah Hood and a number of other Surahs earlier. Here the aspect which has been briefly mentioned is how they did not appreciate the mission of Allah’s messenger and what kind of torment they tasted consequently. Henceforth we shall also see similar events concerning other peoples.

13. Allah Almighty has called His slave Nooh “Abdana” (Our slave) which shows both Nooh’s excellent slavery as well as Allah’s Grace toward His true slave.

14. It was the extreme disobedience of this nation that they paid no attention to the great personality of Prophet Nooh. Rather they threatened him of even stoning to death as described in Surah Shu’ra ayah 116.

15. They are bent upon mischief-mongering and it is not in my power to humble them. So now you send Your Punishment on them and deliver me.

This is an example of the circumstance wherein even Divine Messengers too felt them selves overpowered. But it did not weaken their steadfastness nor discourage them. Rather they relied on Allah and prayed to Him for His help. Herein is a lesson for those Muslims who find themselves weak under the governance of disbelievers.

16.This is a form of eloquence. It means there was a torrential rain from the clouds.

17. Means water gushed also from beneath the earth and streams flew all around.

18. That is: so much water which was required for the prefixed purpose.

19. It was a simple ship made up of wood planks and nails. It was very difficult for it to withstand the storm which was terrible. But God Almighty made it a means of salvation for Nooh (Peace be upon him). So the real thing is Allah’s Will and not the apparent means.

20. The disbelievers had dishonored Nooh though he was Allah‘s Messenger and a very respectable personality. God Almighty rewarded him thus that when and where his disbelieving community was being drowned, his ship became a means of salvation.

21. For explanation please see Surah Ankaboot. Note:26.

22. Quran is the Word of Allah-from beginning to end. Therein are both the depth of meaning and precious pearls of wisdom. It raises the curtain from secrets of the universe and also reveals the mysteries of human nature. It is a complete code of guidance. Therefore the subjects of this BOOK are multi dimensional. It contains treasures of knowledge as well as provision for the upliftment of the human soul. Despite its multifarious specialties, from the viewpoint of explaining its aim , and of enlightening man for guidance, it is such a simple Book that both an intellectual and a layman can be benefited from it. Difficult subjects too have been presented in the simplest way for human understanding and admonition. This Book addresses every human being. It is wrong to think that only Ulemascholars can understand it. The Quran invites each and every person to study it, to ponder over it and to gain counsel directly from it. Those who have no knowledge of the Arabic language can take the benefit of any reliable translation. But, not to try to understand the meaning and purport of the Holy Quran is a serious indifference and a grave deprivation. Alas, this carelessness is rampant among Muslims. Whereas a number of ulama have done a great service by translating and commenting upon the Holy Quran and are also continuing the courses of Quranic lessons, there are also some ulama who dislike the attempts to understand the meanings of the Quran with the help of translations.Describing the excellence of recitation of Quran and learning the text by heart they intend to keep people engaged only in these two things. One cannot deny the blessings mentioned in authentic Ahadeeth. But why these ulama do not put emphasis on the fact that people should gain the knowledge of Quran? It is astonishing that some ulama even translate this ayah in such a manner that attention of the reader gets concentrated only on ‘Hifz’ (memorizing) in place of ‘Naseehat’ (admonition). So one Aalim (Scholer) has translated this ayah of Surah Qamar thus:

“We have made the holy Quran easy to memories. Is there anyone to memories?” (Tableeghi Nisaab, Fazaile Quran P.55).

In this ayah the word ‘Zikr’ is in the meaning of admonishing or Naseehat and so the word Dawatul Quran 591 S. 54 ‘muddakir ‘means’ one who takes admonition, not to mean ‘one who learns it by heart or one who memorizes it. This is evident from the context as well as other similar ayah. In Surah Qamar, the addressees are disbelievers. They have been sternly warned for their denial of the Resurrection and they have been advised to listen to the admonition provided by the Quran. The adverse ends of the people of Nooh and of other rebellious communities have also been narrated in this connection so that the deniers may take lesson.

“ And: WE have made the Quran easy for taking admonition. So is there anyone who take advice”.

Here if the word ‘zikr’ is translated into ‘Hifz’ instead of ‘Naseehat’ then it would mean that the disbelievers are being told that the Quran is made easy for memorizing it, so is there any who would memories in other words, the Quran is inviting the disbelievers to memories the Quran when they have not yet believed in it nor have they accepted its admonition. Obviously such nonsense cannot be attributed to the holy Quran. They also take the support of dictionary in this matter, stating that one of the meanings of this word is ‘memorizing’ also as mentioned in Lisaanul Arab:-

“Zikr means to preserve something which you can memories.”

But, firstly, the author of Lisaanul Arab has not used the word ‘hifz’ to mean ‘memorizing’ independently and exclusively. Hence it is not proper to take it in the limited meaning of the word as it is in the Urdu language.

Secondly, even if the dictionary gives its one of the many other meanings as ‘hifz’ then also, with reference to the ayat under discussion, this meaning can be taken only in its comprehensive meaning, Otherwise its obvious meaning is ‘naseehat’. This is also evident from the fact that elsewhere in the Quran this word is described as ‘Zikr’ due to its being ‘naseehat’:

“Surely WE sent down this reminder, and surely WE are its Guardian.” (Hijr:9) And in Surah Dukhan:

“WE have, (O Prophet!) made it easy in your language so that they may heed.” (Dukhan:58)

In this ayah the meaning of making the Quran easy has been clearly described as obtaining advice and admonition. Therefore it is proper to take only this meaning in this ayah of Surah Qamar also. Ibne Jareer Tabri too has described the same thing:

“WE made the Quran easy, clarified it, explained it openly and simplified it for admonition, that is: for him who intends to obtain lesson, advice and counsel.” (Tafseer Tabari,Vol. 27 P.57)

Meanings of the Quranic terminology cannot be fixed only on the basis of vocabularies. It is essential to keep in mind their usage in the holy Quran. For example: take the word ‘ibaadat’. Lisanul Arab mentions one of its meaning “obedience”.

“IBADATmeans OBEDIENCE (ITAA’AT). ” (Lisanul Arab, Vol. 3 P.272)

Whereas its most apparent meaning is worship the same word is used regarding the worshipping of idols. Of course ‘obedience’ too comes in the wider meaning of ‘Ibadat’ (worship).But it will not be correct if we do not put emphasis on the most obvious meaning ‘ibaadat’ or, sidetracking it, we take it in the sense of ‘itaa’at’. Another example is the word “Salat” which, according to lexicon, means ‘prayer (Duaa). But the Quran has used it to mean a particular religious ritual which is called ‘namaz’ in Urdu. Then, relying only on the dictionary, will it be correct to take the meaning of as “Establish the Duaa”? If not, then it will also not be proper to disregard Quranic usages and to fix meaning on the basis of the dictionary. It can also be said authentically that nowhere in the holy Quran the word ‘zikr’ has been used in the sense of memorizing orally.

This ayah has been repeated a number of times in this Surah, its aim being to emphasis that people should take good counsel from the Quran.

23. The story of Aad too has been mentioned in various Surahs, in detail in Surah Hood.

24. ‘The day of continuous ominousness’ means the day of punishment. As mentioned in Surah Al Haqqah, this torment continued for eight days at a stretch. No day, in itself, is ominous. Superstitious people believe in the ominousness of days, which is a vicious belief. In view of Quran that day is ominous on which descends the Divine punishment. The torment of devastating winds had caught the community of A’ad for eight days whereas a week is made up of seven days: Thus, for this nation every day of the week was ominous, being a day of punishment. When the whole week became ominous, which day remained ominous for the superstitious people?

20. which was throwing away people in such a way as if they were trunks of palm-trees uprooted. ²⁵

21. So how was My punishment and how were My warnings!

22. WE have made the Quran easy for admonition.

23. Is there then anyone who will take admonition? Thamood also falsified the warning.²⁶

24. They said: what? Shall we follow a man who is from among us? Verily then we should fall on a wrong path and indulge in madness.²⁷

25. Has the ‘Zikr’ (admonition) been descended on him among us? ²⁸ No, but he is a great liar and a proud fellow. ²⁹

26. They will come to know tomorrow as to who is the great liar and the proud fellow.³⁰

27. We are sending a she-camel as test for them.³¹ So watch them and have patience.

28. And inform them that water will be distributed among them. Everyone has to come to water on the day of his turn.

29. But they called their comrade. And he came forward and hamstrung her.

30. Then how was My punishment and how were My warnings!

25.The high speed winds thoroughly uprooted this nation. There were only corpses all a around.

26. The story of Thamood has already been described in Surah Aaraaf, Surah Hood and other Surahs.

27. In their opinion the messenger should have been an angel and not a human being. The polytheists of Makka here also of the same view. The Thamood used to say that this man wants to lead astray in the name of guidance; that it will amount to bankruptcy of intelligence if we were to believe and follow him.

28. They were saying that if guidance was to descend from Allah why would it have descended on this fellow when there are better persons among us. In their thinking the criteria of being better was worldly pomp and not moral superiority.

29. They made the allegation of being mad and proud on a Prophet who is always an embodiment of virtue and whose character is always beyond doubt.

30.’Ghadan’ (Tomorrow) means the day of punishment as well as the day of resurrection which is so near as if it is to arrive tomorrow. On that day those who are making allegations against the Messenger will come to know who was liar and arrogant, the Messenger of God or they themselves.

31. This she-camel had appeared in the form of a miracle meant to try those people whether they follow the rule regarding drinking of water or not and whether they harm the animal or not. For further clarification please see Surah Shu’ra, Note:131.

31. WE sent on them one frightening noise so they became like the powder of a fence man’s fence.³³

32. And WE have made the Quran easy for admonition, is there then anyone who will take admonition?

33. The community of Loot also falsified the warning.³⁴

34. WE sent on them a stone-raining wind.³⁵ Only the house hold of Loot remained safe from it.³⁶ WE delivered them at early dawn.³⁷

35. As a grace from us. Thus WE reward those who give thanks.³⁸

36. He had warned them of Our grip. But they doubted the warnings.

37. And when they attempted to restrain him from preserving the honour of his guests WE blinded their eyes³⁹ Taste My punishment and My warnings.

38. In the early morning a lasting punishment seized them ⁴⁰

39. Taste then of My punishment and My warnings.

40. And WE have made the Quran easy for admonition.

41. Is there then anyone who will take admonition. And the warnings had come to the people of Firaun also.

32. It was not easy to kill a she-camel having a huge stature. Hence that unfortunate fellow cut down her feet in order to kill her. The Thamood had brought him forward for this purpose. Therefore the entire community was criminal and they invited Divine Punishment.

33. The owner of a fence makes a fence of shrubs which is a temporary provision. It soon dries up and becomes powder. Same was the fate of the Thamood. Allah’s wrath crushed them in such a manner that they became totally powerless.

34. The story of the people of Loot has been described in Surah Hood and other Surahs also.

35. The people of Loot were annihilated through a rain of stones. For explanation please see Surah Hood, Note:119.

36. The relatives of Loot who were believers.

37. ‘Sahar’ is the last phase of night. The relatives of Loot were saved in the last part of might. It is mentioned in hadith that Allah mostly showers His Mercy and accepts (responds to) prayers in the concluding part of night. As an attribute of the believers, it is mentioned in the Quran that:

“And were praying for forgiveness during the pre-dawn hours.’’ (Az-Zaariyaat: 18)

38. Means those who appreciate Allah’s bounties and Guidance.

39. The guests were angels who had come in the shape of men to take a test of the people of Loot. Prophet Loot had accommodated them in his house. But these evil fellows tried to kidnap them with an ulterior motive. When they attempted to enter the house of Loot, Almighty Allah made them blind. Thus they got the instant ‘reward’ of eying passionately the guests who must obviously have been both young and handsome.

40. Thereafter Divine punishment descended on the criminal community by day-break.

42. But they falsified all Our signs. So WE seized them which was a seizure of the Overlords and the Mighty.⁴¹

43. And the deniers of your community better then the deniers of those communities? ⁴² Or is there an immunity for you in the Divine scriptures?⁴³

44. Or do they say that all of us together will fight him?

45. Their multitude will soon be defeated and they will flee turning their backs.⁴⁴

46. However the real promise with them is that of the Resurrection.⁴⁵ And the Hour of Resurrection will be very hard and bitter.⁴⁶

47. The guilty are in deviation and in a fault of mind.⁴⁷

48. The day they will be dragged in Fire upon their faces. Taste the touch of Hell.⁴⁸

49. WE have created everything by measure (planning).⁴⁹

50. And OUR command will be effective at once like the twinkling of the eyelid.⁵⁰

51. WE have destroyed your likes (of the same disposition).⁵¹ So is there anyone who will take admonition’?

41. That is: it was such a strong grip that the companions of the Firaun became helpless before the Divine wrath.

42. The addressees are Arabs who are being told that, the deniers among you too are acting exactly like the disbelievers of the past. In what way, then, they are better than them so that they may not meet with the same end which those of the past met? A disbeliever is one who rebels against Allah and hence he is a great criminal. Therefore a disbeliever community is essentially worthy of Divine torment.

43. Is it written anywhere in Divine scripture that whatever be your deeds you will never be punished? If it is not so and if you have not been awarded a license for salvation, then how dare you turn against Divine Guidance?!

44. Quran had mentioned this thing in Makkah. At that time there was no apparent sign of the defeat of the Quraish. But this foretelling of the Quran came true within a few years. It is mentioned in hadith that during the war of Badr (2 H.E.) the holy prophet had put on an armour and he came out reciting this ayah:

“Their multitude will soon be defeated and they will flee turning their backs.”

And soon thereafter the disbelievers lost courage and they were defeated badly. Similarly they fled in the War of Khandaq (Trench).

45. They are sure to get the beating in this world in their fight with the Prophet of Allah. Moreover, the real punishment which they will taste will be on the Day of Resurrection. That will be a very severe and everlasting torment.

46. There are lots of hardships and calamities in Resurrection. Therefore be warned and make arrangement to save yourselves from that calamity.

47. This is a reply to the disbelievers’ saying quoted in ayah:24.

48. The word used in the text is’ Saqar’ which is a name of Hell. It means extremely hot.

49. Allah Almighty has created everything according to a plan. There is a comprehensive universal plan for what He intends to do, when to do and for what purpose to do. Therefore the revolution will come on its time which is called Qiyamah. It cannot occur earlier on someone’s demand.

50. The occurrence of Qiyamah will not take any time when Allah will wish to do so. The moment HE wills it will occur within a blink of the eye. The twinkling of an eyelid does not take any time. Likewise Resurrection will occur the moment Allah desires.

51. Those following your line have been destroyed. That is: the disbelieving and rebellious nations.

52. All that they have done is preserved in record.

53. And everything, small and great, has been written down.⁵²

54. Verily the God-fearing will be in the Gardens and Springs. ⁵³

55. In the place of Truth ⁵⁴ near a Mighty Sovereign.⁵⁵

52. For explanation please see Surah Kahaf, Note:70.

53. Here the God-fearing are mentioned compared to the criminals. It means that this is the reward of those people who feared their accounting for their deeds before Allah, who accepted the Guidance and who refrained from sins. They will dwell in the gardens of the paradise, the gardens which will be full of ever flowing springs.

54. That is: in such high places where they will get real reward and will gain true honour and esteem.

55. They will attain the nearness to Allah Who is the True Sovereign and Whose power and Might dominates everything.