Surahs Qariah - Takaathur

 

Quranic Exegesis

 

INTRODUCTION

These two surahs form a pair as far as the subjects they discuss are concerned. The first surah warns its addressees of the terrifying events which shall take place on the Day of Judgement, while the second, with reference to these events warns them of their attitude of indifference.

The surahs are directed at the leadership of the Quraish. A look at their contents shows that, like the previous surahs, they were revealed in Mecca just before the Prophet's migration to Medina in the phase of Itmaam-i-Hujjat. In this phase of his mission, the Prophet (sws) was revealing the truth to them in its ultimate form after which they could have no excuse to deny it.

 

CENTRAL THEMES

The central theme of Surah Qaariah is to warn people of the arrival of the Day of Judgement which will be as sudden as an unexpected rap at the door and they will emerge from their graves to a fate their deeds entail.

The central theme of Surah Takaathur is to warn people with reference to this Day of Judgement about their attitude of outdoing one another in the acquisition of wealth. This attitude would not have distracted them from this greatest reality of Life -- the Day of Judgement -- if they knew the consequences of this Day and if they realized that this Day of accountability was not far way.

 

EXPLANATION OF THE SURAHS

 

Surah Qariah

 

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the ever Merciful.

That Pounding One!1

What is that Pounding One?!2

What do you imagine what the Pounding One is?3 (1-3)

On that Day, people shall be like moths scattered about4 and mountains like carded wool5. (4-5)

Then whose scales are heavy shall dwell in bliss and whose scales are light, the abyss shall be his abode6. and what do you understand that is!? Blazing Fire

 

Surah Takaathur

 

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the ever Merciful.

The greed for abundance has distracted you until you reached the graves7. [O people! this is nothing] Nothing indeed! You shall soon come to know! Again [listen! this is nothing] Nothing indeed! You shall soon come to know8! (1-4)

 

 

[No! never would you have been distracted by it] Never indeed! if you knew definitely that you would surely see the fire of Hell, then [knew that] you would observe it by your very eyes, then [knew that] you would be questioned about all these favours on that Day9. (5-8)