SURAHS ZILZAAL - AADIYAAT
Qur’anic Exegesis
INTRODUCTION
These two surahs form a pair since they discuss the same subject. The first surah warns the Quraish of the events which shall take place on the Day of Judgement, while the second, with reference to this Great Day, warns them of the attitude they have adopted about Allah inspite of being blessed with tremendous favours by Him.
Though the Surahs do not directly address someone, yet their words are directed at the leadership of the Quraish.
A look at the contents of the surahs 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 Zilzaal is to warn the Quraish with reference to the Day of Judgement: they must not remain in any sort of misconception about it; nothing, on that Day, shall remain hidden from Allah. All of mans deeds whether good or bad, small or big shall come before him.
In Surah Aadiyaat, the central theme is to warn the Quraish through the Day of Judgement mentioned in the previous surah that they must contemplate what their fate shall be since inspite of reaping the benefits of peace and tranquility by living as the custodians of the Baitullah in the war stricken atmosphere of Arabia they have adopted an attitude of ingratitude.
Surah Zilzaal
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the ever Merciful.
[They should remember the Day] when the earth is shaken the way it should be shaken1, and it casts forth its burdens2. And man shall cry out: `what is the matter with her?' On that Day, she will narrate all her story at the intimation of your Lord3. (1-5)
On that Day, men will issue forth alone so that their deeds can be shown to them4 Then whoever has done the smallest bit of good he also shall see it, and whoever has done the smallest bit of evil, he also shall see it5. (6-8)
Surah Aadiyaat6
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the ever Merciful.
Gasping galloping horses, then striking fire with their hooves, then rading at dawn, then blazing a trail of dust in it and penetrating with it into a throng -- they bear witness that [this] man [living in the peaceful surroundings of the Baitullah] is very ungrateful to his Lord7. And to this attitude, he himself is a witness8. And mad is he in the love of wealth9. (1-8)
Is he not aware of the time when graves are laid open and whatever is in the hearts is taken out10. Indeed, on that Day, your Lord shall be well aware [of all their deeds]11. (9-11)