The Tafsīr of Sūrah Qāf (Chapter - 50)

Which was revealed in Makkah

The Beginning of the Mufaṣṣal^^{1Mufaṣṣal refers here to the short Sūrahs. This starts from Sūrah Qāf to the end of the Qur'ān. ^} Section of the Qur'ān

This Sūrah is the first Sūrah in the Mufaṣṣal section of the Qur'ān, according to the correct view. It is said that the Mufaṣṣal starts with Sūrat Al-Ḥujurāt. Some common people say that the Mufaṣṣal starts with Sūrah 'Amma An-Nabā, (chapter 78), however, this is not true because none of the respected scholars ever supported this opinion.

Aws (bin Ḥudhayfah) said; "I asked the Companions of Allāh's Messenger (ﷺ) how they divided the Qur'ān. They said; 'Three, five, seven, nine, eleven, thirteen, and the Mufaṣṣal section as one.'

" This was recorded by Ibn Mājah and Imām Aḥmad.^^{2Abu Dāwud 2:114, Ibn Mājah 1:427 and Aḥmad 4:9. This is part of a weak Ḥadīth which was removed.}

If one counts forty-eight Sūrahs, the next Sūrah will be Sūrah Qāf. The details are as follows: The [first] three Sūrahs are Al-Baqarah (chapter 2), Āl 'Imrān (3), then An-Nisā' (4). The five are Al-Mā'idah (5), Al-An'ām (6), Al-A'rāf (7), Al-Anfāl (8) and Barā'ah (or At-Tawbah) (9). The seven next Sūrahs are Sūrah Yūnus (10), Hūd (11), Yūsuf (12), Ar-Ra'd (13), Ibrāhīm (14), Al-Ḥijr (15) and An-Naḥl (16). The nine next Sūrahs are, Subḥān (or Al-Isrā’ (17)], Al-Kahf (18), Maryam (19), Ṭa Ha (20), Al-Anbiyā' (21), Al-Ḥajj (22), Al-Mu'minūn (23), An-Nūr (24) and Al-Furqān (25). The next eleven Sūrahs are Sūrat Ash-Shu'arā (26), An-Naml (27), Al-Qaṣaṣ (28), Al-'Ankabūt (29), Ar-Rūm (30), Luqmān (31), Alif Lām Mīm As-Sajdah (32), Al-Aḥzāb (33), Saba' (34), Fāṭir (35) and Yā Sīn (36). The next thirteen are Sūrat As-Ṣaffāt (37), Ṣād (38), Az-Zumar (39), Ghāfir (40),

^ Ḥa Mīm As-Sajdah (or Fuṣṣilat) (41), Ash-Shūrā (42), Az-Zukhruf (43), Ad-Dukhān (44), Al-Jāthiyah (45), Al-Aḥqāf (46), Al-Qitāl (or Muḥammad) (47), Al-Fatḥ (48) and Al-Ḥujurāt (49).

After that comes the Mufaṣṣal section, according to the Companions, may Allāh be pleased with them all.

Therefore, Sūrah Qāf (chapter 50) is the first of the Mufaṣṣal, just as we stated, and all praise is due to Allāh and all favors are from Him.

The Virtues of Sūrah Qāf

Imām Aḥmad recorded that 'Umar bin Al-Khaṭṭāb asked Abu Wāqid Al-Laythi, "What did the Prophet ﷺ recite during the 'Īd Prayer?" Abu Wāqid said, "Sūrah Qāf and Sūrat Iqtarabat [i.e. Sūrat Al-Qamar (54)]." Muslim and the Four Collectors of the Sunan collected this Ḥadīth.^^{3Aḥmad 5:217, Muslim 2:607, Abu Dāwud 1:683, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi, An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 3:79, 3:183 and Ibn Mājah 1:408. ^}

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Umm Hishām bint Ḥārithah said, "For around two years, or a year and a part of another year, our oven and the oven of the Prophet ﷺ was one and the same. I memorized Sūrah,

Qur’an 50:1قٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ

«Qāf. By the Glorious Qur'ān.» from the tongue of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ who used to recite it every Friday while standing on the Minbar delivering the Friday sermon to the people."^^{4Aḥmad 6:435. ^} Muslim collected this Ḥadīth.^^{5Muslim 2:595. ^}

Abu Dāwud also recorded that the daughter of Al-Ḥārith bin An-Nu'man said, "I only memorized Sūrah Qāf from the mouth of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ who used to recite it in every Friday Khuṭbah. Our oven and the oven of the Messenger ﷺ was one and the same."^^{6Abu Dāwud 1:660. ^} Muslim and An-Nasā'ī collected this Ḥadīth.^^{7Muslim 2:595, An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 3:107.}

Therefore, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ used to recite this Sūrah during large gatherings such as the 'Īds and during

^

Qur’an 50:1–15قٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ بَلْ عَجِبُوٓا۟ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَقَالَ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ هَٰذَا شَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌ أَءِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌۢ بَعِيدٌ قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ وَعِندَنَا كِتَٰبٌ حَفِيظٌۢ بَلْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَهُمْ فِىٓ أَمْرٍ مَّرِيجٍ أَفَلَمْ يَنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا وَمَا لَهَا مِن فُرُوجٍ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَٰهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍ تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً مُّبَٰرَكًا فَأَنۢبَتْنَا بِهِۦ جَنَّٰتٍ وَحَبَّ ٱلْحَصِيدِ وَٱلنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَٰتٍ لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ رِّزْقًا لِّلْعِبَادِ وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِۦ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتًا كَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْخُرُوجُ كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَأَصْحَٰبُ ٱلرَّسِّ وَثَمُودُ وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ وَإِخْوَٰنُ لُوطٍ وَأَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأَيْكَةِ وَقَوْمُ تُبَّعٍ كُلٌّ كَذَّبَ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَحَقَّ وَعِيدِ أَفَعَيِينَا بِٱلْخَلْقِ ٱلْأَوَّلِ بَلْ هُمْ فِى لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ

Friday sermons. He did so because this Sūrah contains news of the beginning of creation, Resurrection, the Return, Standing (before Allāh), the Reckoning, Paradise, the Fire, Allāh's reward and punishment, lessons of encouragement, and lessons of discouragement. Allāh knows best.

Qur’anبِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Qur’an 50:1–5قٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ بَلْ عَجِبُوٓا۟ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَقَالَ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ هَٰذَا شَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌ أَءِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌۢ بَعِيدٌ قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ وَعِندَنَا كِتَٰبٌ حَفِيظٌۢ بَلْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَهُمْ فِىٓ أَمْرٍ مَّرِيجٍ

«1. Qāf. By the Glorious Qur'ān.»

«2. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: "This is a strange thing!"»

«3. "When we are dead and have become dust. (Shall we be resurrected?) That is a far return."»

«4. We know that which the earth takes of them, and with Us is a Book preserved.»

«5. Nay, but they have denied the truth when it has come to them, so they are in a Marīj state.»

Qur’an 50:1قٓ

«Qāf.» which is one of the letters of the alphabet that are mentioned in the beginning of some Sūrahs, such as,

Qur’an 38:1صٓ

«Ṣād.» (38:1)

Qur’an 68:1نٓ

«Nūn.» (68:1)

Qur’an 2:1الٓمٓ

«Alif Lām Mīm.» (2:1),

Qur’anحمٓ

«Ḥa Mīm.» (40:1), and

Qur’an 27:1طسٓ

«Ṭa Sīn» (28:1) and etc., Mujāhid and several others said this. We also discussed this in the beginning of the explanation of Sūrat Al-Baqarah, and therefore, it is not necessary to repeat it here.

The Disbelievers wonder at the Message and Resurrection

Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:1وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ

«By the Glorious Qur'ān.» means by the Honorable and Great Qur'ān, which,

Qur’an 41:42لَّا يَأْتِيهِ ٱلْبَٰطِلُ مِنۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِۦ تَنزِيلٌ مِّنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ

«Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it: (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.»(41:42)

The subject of the oath contained in this Āyah is specified afterwards, even though it does not appear by word, emphasizing prophethood, resurrection and affirming that they are true. There are similar kinds of oaths in the Qur'ān, whose subject is included in the meaning but not by word, such as,

Qur’an 38:1–2صٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ذِى ٱلذِّكْرِ بَلِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فِى عِزَّةٍ وَشِقَاقٍ

«Ṣād. By the Qur'ān full of reminding. Nay, those who disbelieve are in false pride and opposition.»(38:1-2) Allāh said here,

Qur’an 50:1–2قٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ بَلْ عَجِبُوٓا۟ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَقَالَ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ هَٰذَا شَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌ

«Qāf. By the Glorious Qur'ān. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: "This is a strange thing!"»

They wondered at the wisdom behind sending a Messenger who is a human being. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said in another Āyah

Qur’an 10:2أَكَانَ لِلنَّاسِ عَجَبًا أَنْ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنْهُمْ أَنْ أَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ

«Is it a wonder for mankind that We have sent Our revelation to a man from among themselves (saying): "Warn mankind."» (10:2),

meaning, this is not strange, for Allāh chooses Messengers from angels and humans.

Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored mentioned that the disbelievers also wondered about the Resurrection and discounted its coming,

Qur’an 50:3أَءِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌۢ بَعِيدٌ

«When we are dead and have become dust. That is a far return.»

They said, 'after we die, disintegrate, with our organs torn apart and we become dust, how can we be brought back to our original shape and bodies,'

Qur’an 50:3ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌۢ بَعِيدٌ

«That is a far return.» 'it is not likely that it will ever occur.' They thought that Resurrection was far from happening and will never occur. Allāh the Exalted responded to their statement by saying,

Qur’an 50:4قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ

«We know that which the earth takes of them.» meaning, 'We know what the earth consumes of their dead bodies.' Where and how the bodies disintegrated, what they turned into and how they have become, all of this is never absent from Allāh's knowledge.

Qur’an 50:4وَعِندَنَا كِتَٰبٌ حَفِيظٌۢ

«and with Us is a Book preserved,» 'that keeps all records. Therefore, Our knowledge is encompassing and the Book of decrees has everything precisely recorded in it. Al-'Awfi narrated that 'Abdullāh bin 'Abbās commented on the statement of Allāh the Exalted,

Qur’an 50:4قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ

«We know that which the earth takes of them,»

"It refers to what the earth consumes of their flesh, skin, bones and hair."^^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:328. ^} A similar view was recorded from Mujāhid, Qatādah, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk and several others.^^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:329.} Allāh, the Exalted and Most Honored, explained the reason behind their disbelief, rebellion and discounting the possibility of what is truly possible,

Qur’an 50:5بَلْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَهُمْ فِىٓ أَمْرٍ مَّرِيجٍ

«Nay, but they have denied the truth when it has come to them, so they are in a Marīj state.»

This is the state of all those who defy the Truth: whatever they say and utter after denying the Truth, is utterly false. Marīj means, in disarray, in a confused state and defying the characteristics of the Truth. Allāh the Exalted said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 51:8–9إِنَّكُمْ لَفِى قَوْلٍ مُّخْتَلِفٍ يُؤْفَكُ عَنْهُ مَنْ أُفِكَ

«Certainly, you have different ideas. Turned aside therefrom is he who is turned aside.»(51:8-9)

Qur’an 50:6–9أَفَلَمْ يَنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا وَمَا لَهَا مِن فُرُوجٍ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَٰهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍ تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ وَنَزَّلْنَا

^

Qur’an 50:9–11مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً مُّبَٰرَكًا فَأَنۢبَتْنَا بِهِۦ جَنَّٰتٍ وَحَبَّ ٱلْحَصِيدِ وَٱلنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَٰتٍ لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ رِّزْقًا لِّلْعِبَادِ وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِۦ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتًا كَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْخُرُوجُ

«6. Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no Furūj in it?»

«7. And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon Rawāsi standing firm, and We planted in it every lovely (Bahīj) pair.»

«8. An insight and a Reminder for every servant who turns to Allāh in repentance.»

«9. And We send down blessed water (rain) from the sky, then We produce therewith Jannāt and grain that are reaped.»

«10. And date palms Bāsiqāt, with arranged clusters.»

«11. A provision for the servants. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the Resurrection.»

Allāh's Power and Ability over what is Greater than Resurrection

Allāh the Exalted notifies the servants of His infinite power, which He demonstrated by creating what is bigger than that which they wondered about and whose possibility they discount,

Qur’an 50:6أَفَلَمْ يَنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا

«Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it,» with lamps;

Qur’an 50:6وَمَا لَهَا مِن فُرُوجٍ

«and there are no Furūj in it?» i.e., clefts, according to Mujāhid.^^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:332.} Others said that Furūj means, rifts, or cracks. All these meanings are close to one another. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 67:3–4ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍ طِبَاقًا مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَٰوُتٍ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ ثُمَّ ٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ كَرَّتَيْنِ يَنقَلِبْ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْبَصَرُ خَاسِئًا وَهُوَ حَسِيرٌ

^ «Who has created the seven heavens one above another; you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious. Then look again: "Can you see any rifts?" Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.» (67:2-4)

fatigued, unable to discover any imperfection or shortcomings. The statement of Allāh the Exalted, the Blessed,

Qur’an 50:7وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَٰهَا

«And the earth! We have spread it out,» means, 'We made it spacious and spread it out,'

Qur’an 50:7وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ

«and set thereon Rawāsi standing firm.» which are the mountains to save the earth from shaking along with its inhabitants,

Qur’an 50:7وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍ

«and We planted in it every lovely (Bahīj) pair.»

every kind and species of plant, fruit and vegetation,

Qur’an 51:49وَمِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقْنَا زَوْجَيْنِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

«And of everything We have created pairs that you may reflect.»(51:49)

Allāh's saying 'Bahīj', meaning a beautiful scene,

Qur’an 50:8تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ

«An insight and a Reminder for every servant who turns to Allāh in repentance.»

Allāh says that observing the creation of the heavens and earth and all the great things that He has placed in them provides insight, proof and a lesson for every penitent servant who submits in humbleness and repentance to Allāh feeling fear, in awe of Him. Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:9وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً مُّبَٰرَكًا

«And We send down blessed water from the sky,» meaning beneficial,

Qur’an 50:9فَأَنۢبَتْنَا بِهِۦ جَنَّٰتٍ

«then We produce therewith Jannāt», means special and public parks, gardens, etc.

Qur’an 50:9وَحَبَّ ٱلْحَصِيدِ

«and grain that are reaped» grains that are harvested for food and for storage for later use,

Qur’an 50:10وَٱلنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَٰتٍ

«And date palms Bāsiqāt,» meaning, tall and high, according to the explanation reported from Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid, 'Ikrimah, Al-Ḥasan, Qatādah and As-Suddi.^^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:335.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:10لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ

«with arrranged clusters.» producing fruits arranged in clusters,

Qur’an 50:11رِّزْقًا لِّلْعِبَادِ

«A provision for (Allāh's) servants.» for (Allāh's) creation,

Qur’an 50:11وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِۦ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتًا

«And We give life therewith to a dead land.» this is the land that was barren. However, when rain falls upon it, it is stirred to life; it swells and produces all of the lovely pairs such as flowers and the like - amazing on account of their beauty. All of this comes into existence after the land was without greenery, yet it was stirred back to life and became green. Indeed, this should provide proof of Resurrection after death and disintegration; thus Allāh resurrects the dead. This sign of Allāh's ability that is seen and witnessed is greater than the denial of those who discount the possibility of Resurrection. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 40:57لَخَلْقُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ خَلْقِ ٱلنَّاسِ

«The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind;» (40:57),

Qur’an 46:33أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَلَمْ يَعْىَ بِخَلْقِهِنَّ بِقَٰدِرٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يُحْـِۧىَ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

^ «Do they not see that Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.»(46:33) and,

Qur’an 41:39وَمِنْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَنَّكَ تَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ خَٰشِعَةً فَإِذَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهَا ٱلْمَآءَ ٱهْتَزَّتْ وَرَبَتْ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحْيَاهَا لَمُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

«And among His signs (is this), that you see the earth barren; but when We send down water to it, it is stirred to life and growth. Verily, He Who gives it life, surely is able to give life to the dead. Indeed He is Able to do all things.»(41:39)

Qur’an 50:12–15كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَأَصْحَٰبُ ٱلرَّسِّ وَثَمُودُ وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ وَإِخْوَٰنُ لُوطٍ وَأَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأَيْكَةِ وَقَوْمُ تُبَّعٍ كُلٌّ كَذَّبَ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَحَقَّ وَعِيدِ أَفَعَيِينَا بِٱلْخَلْقِ ٱلْأَوَّلِ بَلْ هُمْ فِى لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ

«12. Denied before them the people of Nūḥ, and the Dwellers of Rass, and Thamūd,»

«13. And 'Ād, and Fir'awn, and the brethren of Lūṭ,»

«14. And the Dwellers of Al-Aykah, and the people of Tubba'. Everyone of them denied (their) Messengers, so My threat took effect.»

«15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, they are in confused doubt about a new creation.»

Reminding the Quraysh of the Destruction of earlier Disbelieving Nations

Allāh the Exalted warns the disbelievers of Quraysh and reminds them of the punishment and painful torment that He sent in this life on their likes, who disbelieved before them. For instance, Allāh the Exalted punished the people of Nūḥ by drowning them in the encompassing flood that touched all the people of earth. There is also the end that struck the people of Ar-Rass, and we mentioned their story before in Sūrat Al-Furqān,^^{1See volume seven, the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Furqān (25:38).}

^

Qur’an 50:12–13وَثَمُودُ وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ وَإِخْوَٰنُ لُوطٍ

«...and Thamūd, and 'Ād, and Fir'awn, and the brethren of Lūṭ,»

the people of Sadūm (Sodom) and the surrounding areas, to whom Lūṭ was sent. Allāh the Exalted shook the earth beneath them and turned their area into a reeking lake, as stinking as the disbelief, tyranny and defiance of the Truth that they had,

Qur’an 50:14وَأَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأَيْكَةِ

«And the Dwellers of Al-Aykah», they are the nation of Shu'ayb, peace be upon him,

Qur’an 50:14وَقَوْمُ تُبَّعٍ

«and the people of Tubba'», King of Yemen; we explained his story in the Tafsīr of Sūrat Ad-Dukhān,^^{2See volume eight, the Tafsīr of Sūrat Ad-Dukhān [44:37].} and therefore, we do not need to repeat it here. All praise is due to Allāh.

Qur’an 50:14كُلٌّ كَذَّبَ ٱلرُّسُلَ

«Everyone of them denied (their) Messengers,» means, all of these nations and their generations belied their respective Messenger, and whoever denies even one Messenger, is as if he has denied all Messengers. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 26:105كَذَّبَتْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

«The people of Nūḥ denied the Messengers.»(26:105)

even though only one Messenger was sent to them, and indeed, if all the Messengers were sent to them, they would have disbelieved in them as well. Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:14فَحَقَّ وَعِيدِ

«so My threat took effect.» meaning, the promise of torment and punishment that Allāh delivered to them on account of their denial took effect. Therefore, all those who fear suffering the same end should be warned, especially since the latter have denied their Messenger, just as the former denied their Messenger.

^

Repeating the Creation is Easier than originating It

Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:15أَفَعَيِينَا بِٱلْخَلْقِ ٱلْأَوَّلِ

«Were We then tired with the first creation? »

meaning, 'did starting the creation bring fatigue to Us, so as to cause doubt in them that repeating the creation was not possible?'

Qur’an 50:15بَلْ هُمْ فِى لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ

«Nay, they are in confused doubt about a new creation.»

meaning, 'starting the creation did not tire Us, and repeating it is even easier.' Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 30:27وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَهُوَ أَهْوَنُ عَلَيْهِ

«And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it; and this is easier for Him.»(30:27), and,

Qur’an 36:78–79وَضَرَبَ لَنَا مَثَلًا وَنَسِىَ خَلْقَهُۥ قَالَ مَن يُحْىِ ٱلْعِظَٰمَ وَهِىَ رَمِيمٌ قُلْ يُحْيِيهَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَهَآ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ خَلْقٍ عَلِيمٌ

«And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: "Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust?" Say: "He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!"»(36:78-79)

We mentioned earlier a Ḥadīth collected in the Ṣaḥīḥ,

Ḥadīthيَقُولُ اللهُ تَعَالَىٰ يُؤْذِينِي ابْنُ آدَمَ يَقُولُ: لَنْ يُعِيدَنِي كَمَا بَدَأَنِي. وَلَيْسَ أَوَّلُ الْخَلْقِ بِأَهْوَنَ عَلَيَّ مِنْ إِعَادَتِهِ

«Allāh the Exalted said, "Son of 'Ādam insults Me when he says, 'He will not resurrect me as He created me before!' But surely, originating creation is not easier for Me than reproducing it again."»^^{3Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:611.}

Qur’an 50:16–19وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفْسُهُۥ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ وَجَآءَتْ سَكْرَةُ

^

Qur’an 50:19–22ٱلْمَوْتِ بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْوَعِيدِ وَجَآءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَآئِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ لَّقَدْ كُنتَ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَٰذَا فَكَشَفْنَا عَنكَ غِطَآءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ

«16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his self whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.»

«17. (Remember) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one sitting on the right and one on the left.»

«18. Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).»

«19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: "This is what you have been avoiding!"»

«20. And the Trumpet will be blown - that will be the Day of the threat.»

«21. And every person will come forth along with a Sā'iq and a Shahīd.»

«22. (It will be said to the sinners): "Indeed you were heedless of this. Now We have removed from you, your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!"»

Allāh encompasses and watches all of Man's Activity

Allāh the Exalted affirms His absolute dominance over mankind, being their Creator and the Knower of everything about them. Allāh the Exalted has complete knowledge of all thoughts that cross the mind of man, be they good or evil. In the Ṣaḥīḥ, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللهَ تَعَالَىٰ تَجَاوَزَ لِأُمَّتِي مَا حَدَّثَتْ بِهِ أَنْفُسَهَا مَا لَمْ تَقُلْ أَوْ تَعْمَلْ

«Verily, Allāh the Exalted has forgiven my Ummah (Muslims) for what they talk (think) to themselves about, as long as they do not utter or implement it.»^{1Most of the scholars do not hold the same view as Ibn Kathīr regarding the usage of "We".}

The statement of Allāh the Exalted,

Qur’an 50:16وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ

«And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.»

means, His angels are nearer to man than his jugular vein. Those who explained 'We' in the Āyah to mean 'Our knowledge,' have done so to avoid falling into the idea of incarnation or indwelling; but these two creeds are false according to the consensus of Muslims. Allāh is praised and glorified, He is far hallowed beyond what they ascribe to Him. The words of this Āyah do not need this explanation (that 'We' refers to 'Allāh's knowledge'), for Allāh did not say, 'and I am closer to him than his jugular vein.' Rather, He said,

Qur’an 50:16وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ

«And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.» just as He said in the case of dying persons,

Qur’an 56:85وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنكُمْ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تُبْصِرُونَ

«But We are nearer to him than you, but you see not.» (56:85),

in reference to His angels (who take the souls). Allāh the Exalted the Blessed said,

Qur’an 15:9إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ

«Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr and surely, We will guard it.» (15:9)

Therefore, the angels brought down the revelation, the Qur'ān, by the leave of Allāh, the Exalted, the Most Honored. Thus, the angels are closer to man than his own jugular vein, by the power and leave of Allāh.^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:557.} Consequently, the angel touches mankind, just as the devil touches them, for the devil is as close to them as the blood that runs in their veins; just as Allāh's Prophet ﷺ, who is truthful and was told the truth, told us. Allāh's statement here,

Qur’an 50:17إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ

«(Remember) that the two receivers receive,» in reference to the two angels who receive and record the deeds of mankind.

Qur’an 50:17عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ

«one sitting on the right and one on the left.» means ready to note,

Qur’an 50:18مَّا يَلْفِظُ

«whatever he utters», in reference to the human,

Qur’an 50:18مِن قَوْلٍ

«of a word», means any word that he or she speaks,

Qur’an 50:18إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ

«but there is a watcher by him ready.» means, but there is a scribe whose job is to record it, leaving no word or movement unrecorded. Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 82:10–12وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ لَحَٰفِظِينَ كِرَامًا كَٰتِبِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ

«But verily, over you (are appointed angels) to watch you, Kirāman (honorable) Kātibīn writing down (your deeds), they know all that you do.» (82:10-12)

Therefore, the scribe records every word that is spoken, according to the explanation of Al-Ḥasan and Qatādah.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:345.} This is also the apparent meaning of this Āyah.

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Bilāl bin Al-Ḥārith Al-Muzani said, "The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيَتَكَلَّمُ بِالْكَلِمَةِ مِنْ رِضْوَانِ اللهِ تَعَالَىٰ مَا يَظُنُّ أَنْ تَبْلُغَ مَا بَلَغَتْ يَكْتُبُ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَهُ بِهَا رِضْوَانَهُ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَاهُ، وَإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيَتَكَلَّمُ بِالْكَلِمَةِ مِنْ سَخَطِ اللهِ تَعَالَىٰ مَا يَظُنُّ أَنْ تَبْلُغَ مَا بَلَغَتْ، يَكْتُبُ اللهُ تَعَالَىٰ عَلَيْهِ بِهَا سَخَطَهُ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَاهُ

«Verily, a man might utter a word that pleases Allāh the Exalted, unaware of how highly it will be regarded, and on its account Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored decrees His pleasure of him until the Day he meets Him. A man might indeed utter a word that angers Allāh the Exalted, unaware of how dreadful it will be and on its account Allāh the Exalted decrees for him His anger until the Day he meets Him.»" 'Alqamah used to say, "How many words did I not utter because of the Ḥadīth that Bilāl bin Al-Ḥārith narrated."^{4Aḥmad 3:469.} At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasā'ī and Ibn Mājah collected this Ḥadīth. At-Tirmidhi said, "Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ."^{5Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 6:610, Tuḥfat Al-Ashrāf 2:555 and Ibn Mājah 2:1312.} There is a Ḥadīth similar to this in the Ṣaḥīḥ.

Reminding Mankind of the Stupor of Death, the Blast of the Trumpet and the Day of Gathering

Allāh the Exalted and Most High said,

Qur’an 50:19وَجَآءَتْ سَكْرَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ

«And the stupor of death will come in truth: "This is what you have been avoiding!"»

Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored says, 'O mankind! This is the stupor of death that has come in truth; now, I have brought forth to you the certainty that you were disputing,'

Qur’an 50:19ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ

«This is what you have been avoiding!», means, 'this is the end that you were trying to escape; it has come to you! Therefore, you will have neither a shelter nor a refuge nor a sanctuary nor an asylum from it.'

In the Ṣaḥīḥ, the Prophet ﷺ said, while wiping sweat from his face when the stupor of death overcame him,

Ḥadīthسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ! إِنَّ لِلْمَوْتِ لَسَكَرَاتٍ

«Glory be to Allāh! Verily, death has its stupor.»^{6Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:369.}

The Āyah,

Qur’an 50:19ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ

«This is what you have been avoiding!» has two possible meanings. One of them is this: 'what you have been trying to avert, escape and flee from has come to you and resided in your home!' The second meaning is, 'you had no way of escaping or averting this end.' Aṭ-Ṭabarāni collected a Ḥadīth in Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabīr^{7Aṭ-Ṭabarāni 7:222. This narration is Mawqūf, i.e., it is correct from the Companion only.} from Samurah who said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthمَثَلُ الَّذِي يَفِرُّ مِنَ الْمَوْتِ مَثَلُ الثَّعْلَبِ تَطْلُبُهُ الْأَرْضُ بِدَيْنٍ، فَجَاءَ يَسْعَىٰ حَتَّى إِذَا أُعْيِيَ وَأُسْهِرَ دَخَلَ جُحْرَهُ وَقَالَتْ لَهُ الْأَرْضُ: يَا ثَعْلَبُ، دَيْنِي. فَخَرَجَ وَلَهُ حُصَاصٌ، فَلَمْ يَزَلْ كَذَلِكَ حَتَّى تَقَطَّعَتْ عُنُقُهُ وَمَاتَ

«The parable of whoever tries to avoid death is that of a fox that had a debt to pay to the earth. The fox went away and when he became tired and the time to sleep overtook him, he entered his den. The earth said to him, 'O fox! Pay my debt!' The fox went out howling and continued until his neck was cutoff, (i.e.,) he died.»

This parable indicates that just as the fox had no way of escaping or avoiding the earth, likewise, man has no way of avoiding death.

Allāh the Exalted the Blessed said,

Qur’an 50:20وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْوَعِيدِ

«And the Trumpet will be blown - that will be the Day of the threat.»

Earlier we discussed the information about the blowing of the Trumpet, the fear that follows it, the death of everything and then resurrection, all this will occur on the Day of Resurrection.^{8See volume six, the Tafsīr of Sūrah Ṭa Ha (20:102).} We also mentioned that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said in a Ḥadīth,

Ḥadīthكَيْفَ أَنْعَمُ وَصَاحِبُ الْقَرْنِ قَدِ الْتَقَمَ الْقَرْنَ، وَحَنَىٰ جَبْهَتَهُ، وَانْتَظَرَ أَنْ يُؤْذَنَ لَهُ

«How can I feel comfort while the angel responsible for the Trumpet has placed the Trumpet to his mouth and lowered his forehead awaiting when he will be commanded (by Allāh to blow in it)?»

They said, "O Allāh's Messenger, what should we say?" He ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthقُولُوا حَسْبُنَا اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

«Say, "Allāh is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs."»^{9Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:117.}

The Companions repeated this invocation, saying, "Allāh is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs (for us)." Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:21وَجَآءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَآئِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ

«And every person will come forth along with a Sā'iq and a Shahīd.»

meaning, an angel to drive him to the gathering place and an angel to bear witness against him with regards to his deeds. This is the apparent meaning of this honorable Āyah and it is the meaning that Ibn Jarīr preferred.^{10Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:347.} It was narrated from Yaḥyā bin Rāfi', the freed servant of Thaqīf, that he heard 'Uthmān bin 'Affān, may Allāh be pleased with him, giving a speech in which he recited this Āyah,

Qur’an 50:21وَجَآءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَآئِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ

«And every person will come forth along with a Sā'iq and a Shahīd.»

and then said, "A Sā'iq to drive every person to Allāh the Exalted, and a Shahīd to witness against him what he has done."^{11Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:347.}

The statement of Allāh the Exalted,

Qur’an 50:22لَّقَدْ كُنتَ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَٰذَا فَكَشَفْنَا عَنكَ غِطَآءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ

«Indeed you were heedless of this. Now We have removed from you, your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!»

is directed at humanity. Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:22لَّقَدْ كُنتَ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَٰذَا

«Indeed you were heedless of this.», of this Day,

Qur’an 50:22فَكَشَفْنَا عَنكَ غِطَآءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ

«Now We have removed from you, your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!»

Qur’an 50:16–35وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفْسُهُۥ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ وَجَآءَتْ سَكْرَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْوَعِيدِ وَجَآءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَآئِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ لَّقَدْ كُنتَ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَٰذَا فَكَشَفْنَا عَنكَ غِطَآءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ وَقَالَ قَرِينُهُۥ هَٰذَا مَا لَدَىَّ عَتِيدٌ أَلْقِيَا فِى جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ مُّرِيبٍ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَأَلْقِيَاهُ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلشَّدِيدِ قَالَ قَرِينُهُۥ رَبَّنَا مَآ أَطْغَيْتُهُۥ وَلَٰكِن كَانَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍۭ بَعِيدٍ قَالَ لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا۟ لَدَىَّ وَقَدْ قَدَّمْتُ إِلَيْكُم بِٱلْوَعِيدِ مَا يُبَدَّلُ ٱلْقَوْلُ لَدَىَّ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ بِظَلَّٰمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ ٱمْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِن مَّزِيدٍ وَأُزْلِفَتِ ٱلْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ مَّنْ خَشِىَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَجَآءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ ٱدْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَٰمٍ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُلُودِ لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ

'your sight is now clear and strong.' Everyone, including the disbelievers, will have clear sight on the Day of Resurrection. However, having sight will not be helpful to the disbelievers on that Day, for Allāh the Exalted said,

«

Qur’an 19:38أَسْمِعْ بِهِمْ وَأَبْصِرْ يَوْمَ يَأْتُونَنَا

«How clearly will they (disbelievers) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us!» (19:38), and,

Qur’an 32:12وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ نَاكِسُوا۟ رُءُوسِهِمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ رَبَّنَآ أَبْصَرْنَا وَسَمِعْنَا فَٱرْجِعْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَٰلِحًا إِنَّا مُوقِنُونَ

«And if you only could see when the criminals hang their heads before their Lord (saying): "Our Lord! We have now seen and heard, so send us back (to the world), that we will do righteous good deeds. Verily, we now believe with certainty.»(32:12)

«

Qur’an 50:23–29وَقَالَ قَرِينُهُۥ هَٰذَا مَا لَدَىَّ عَتِيدٌ أَلْقِيَا فِى جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ مُّرِيبٍ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَأَلْقِيَاهُ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلشَّدِيدِ قَالَ قَرِينُهُۥ رَبَّنَا مَآ أَطْغَيْتُهُۥ وَلَٰكِن كَانَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍۭ بَعِيدٍ قَالَ لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا۟ لَدَىَّ وَقَدْ قَدَّمْتُ إِلَيْكُم بِٱلْوَعِيدِ مَا يُبَدَّلُ ٱلْقَوْلُ لَدَىَّ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ بِظَلَّٰمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

»

«23. And his companion (angel) will say: "Here is (his record) ready with me!"»

«24. (Allāh will say to the angels:) "Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever"»

«25. "Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,"»

«26. "Who set up another god with Allāh. Then both of you cast him in the severe torment."»

«27. His companion (devil) will say: "Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression, but he was himself in error far astray."»

«28. (Allāh) will say: "Dispute not in front of Me, I had already in advance sent you the threat."»

«29. "The sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust to the servants."»

The Angel will bear Witness; Allāh commands that the Disbeliever be thrown into the Fire

Allāh the Exalted states that the scribe angel, who is entrusted with recording the deeds of mankind, will testify against him or her about the deeds he or she did on the Day of Resurrection. He will say,

Qur’an 50:23هَٰذَا مَا لَدَىَّ عَتِيدٌ

«"Here is (his record) ready with me!"», here it is prepared and completed without addition or deletion. This is when Allāh the Exalted will judge the creation with fairness, saying,

Qur’an 50:24أَلْقِيَا فِى جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ

«Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever.»

It appears that Allāh will say these words to the Sā'iq and Shahīd angels; the Sā'iq drove him to the grounds where Reckoning is held and the Shahīd testified. Allāh the Exalted will order them to throw him in the fire of Jahannam, and worse it is as a destination,

Qur’an 50:24أَلْقِيَا فِى جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ

«Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever.»

meaning, whose disbelief and denial of truth was horrendous, who used to stubbornly reject the truth, knowingly contradicting it with falsehood,

Qur’an 50:25مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ

«Hinderer of good,» meaning for he did not fulfill the duties he was ordered, nor was he dutiful, keeping ties to kith and kin nor giving charity,

Qur’anمُعْتَدٍ

«transgressor,» meaning, he transgresses the limits in spending. Qatādah commented, "He is a transgressor in his speech, behavior and affairs."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:356.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:25مُّرِيبٍ

«doubter,» meaning, he doubts and raises doubts in those who scrutinize his behavior,

Qur’an 50:26ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ

«who set up another god with Allāh.» meaning, he associated others with Allāh and worshipped others besides Him,

Qur’an 50:26فَأَلْقِيَاهُ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلشَّدِيدِ

«Then both of you cast him in the severe torment.»

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Abu Sa'īd Al-Khudri said that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيَخْرُجُ عُنُقٌ مِنَ النَّارِ يَتَكَلَّمُ يَقُولُ: وُكِّلْتُ الْيَوْمَ بِثَلَاثَةٍ: بِكُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ، وَمَنْ جَعَلَ مَعَ اللهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ، وَمَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ، فَتَنْطَوِي عَلَيْهِمْ فَتَقْذِفُهُمْ فِي غَمَرَاتِ جَهَنَّمَ

«A neck from the Fire will appear and will speak saying, "Today, I have been entrusted with three: Every obstinate tyrant, everyone who ascribed another god with Allāh, and he who took a life without right." The neck will then close in on them and throw them in the midst of Jahannam.»"^^{2Aḥmad 3:40.}

Man and Devil dispute before Allāh

Allāh's saying;

Qur’an 50:27قَالَ قَرِينُهُۥ

«His companion will say», refers to the devil who is entrusted to every man, according to 'Abdullāh bin 'Abbās, Mujāhid, Qatādah and several othes.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:357.} He will say,

Qur’an 50:27رَبَّنَا مَآ أَطْغَيْتُهُۥ

«Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression,»

meaning, the devil will say this about the human who came on the Day of Resurrection as a disbeliever. The devil will disown him, saying,

Qur’an 50:27رَبَّنَا مَآ أَطْغَيْتُهُۥ

«Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression»

meaning, "I did not lead him astray,"

Qur’an 50:27وَلَٰكِن كَانَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍۭ بَعِيدٍ

«but he was himself in error far astray.» meaning, he himself was misguided, accepting falsehood and stubborn to the truth. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 14:22وَقَالَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لَمَّا قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ وَمَا كَانَ لِىَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَٰنٍ إِلَّآ أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَٱسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِى فَلَا تَلُومُونِى وَلُومُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُم مَّآ أَنَا۠ بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُصْرِخِىَّ إِنِّى كَفَرْتُ بِمَآ أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ إِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

«And Shayṭān will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allāh promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me as a partner with Allāh. Verily, there is a painful torment for the wrongdoers."» (14:22)

Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:28قَالَ لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا۟ لَدَىَّ

«(Allāh) will say: "Dispute not in front of Me."»

The Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored will say this to the man and his devil companion, who will be disputing before Him. The man will say, "O, Lord! This devil has misguided me away from the Remembrance after it came to me," while the devil will declare,

Qur’an 50:27رَبَّنَا مَآ أَطْغَيْتُهُۥ وَلَٰكِن كَانَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍۭ بَعِيدٍ

«Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression, but he was himself in error far astray.»

from the path of truth. The Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored will say to them,

Qur’an 50:28لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا۟ لَدَىَّ

«Dispute not in front of Me,» or 'before Me,'

Qur’an 50:28وَقَدْ قَدَّمْتُ إِلَيْكُم بِٱلْوَعِيدِ

«I had already in advance sent you the threat.»

'I have given you sufficient proof by the words of the Messengers, and I have sent down the Divine Books; the evidences, signs and proofs have thus been established against you,'

Qur’an 50:29مَا يُبَدَّلُ ٱلْقَوْلُ لَدَىَّ

«The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed,»

"I have made My decision," according to the explanation of Mujāhid,^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:359.}

Qur’an 50:29وَمَآ أَنَا۠ بِظَلَّٰمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

«And I am not unjust to the servants.»

'I will not punish anyone, except on account of their sins after the proof has been established against them.'

Qur’an 50:30–35يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ ٱمْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِن مَّزِيدٍ وَأُزْلِفَتِ ٱلْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ مَّنْ خَشِىَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَجَآءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ ٱدْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَٰمٍ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُلُودِ لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ

«30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: "Are you filled?" It will say: "Are there any more?"» «31. And Paradise will be Uzlifat to those who had Taqwā, not far off.»

«32. (It will be said): "This is what you were promised - (it is) for those returning in sincere repentance, and Ḥafīẓ "»

«33. "Who feared Ar-Raḥmān unseen and brought a heart turned in repentance."»

«34. "Enter you therein in peace and security - this is a Day of eternal life!"»

«35. There they will have all that they desire - and We have more.»

Jahannam and Paradise and their Dwellers

Allāh states that He will say to Jahannam on the Day of Resurrection, "Have you had your fill?" Allāh the Most Honored has promised Hell that it will have its fill from the Jinns and mankind. He, the Exalted and Most Honored, will decide who will be thrown into the Fire and she will keep saying, "Are there any more," or, 'Are there any more whom You will provide me with?' This is the apparent meaning of this Āyah which is supported by several Ḥadīths.

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَا تَزَالُ جَهَنَّمُ يُلْقَىٰ فِيهَا وَتَقُولُ: هَلْ مِنْ مَزِيدٍ؟ حَتَّى يَضَعَ رَبُّ الْعِزَّةِ قَدَمَهُ فِيهَا، فَيَنْزَوِي بَعْضُهَا إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَتَقُولُ: قَطْ قَطْ وَعِزَّتِكَ وَكَرَمِكَ. وَلَا يَزَالُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ فَضْلٌ حَتَّى يُنْشِئَ اللهُ لَهَا خَلْقًا آخَرَ فَيُسْكِنَهُمُ اللهُ تَعَالَىٰ فِي فُضُولِ الْجَنَّةِ

«The people will be thrown into Jahannam and it will say, 'Are there any more?' Until the Mighty Lord puts His Foot over it and its corners will be collected together and it will say, "Enough, enough by Your grace and compassion!' There will be sufficient empty space in Paradise until Allāh creates another creation and He, the Exalted, makes them dwell in the empty parts of Paradise.»"^{1Aḥmad 3:234.} Muslim also collected this Ḥadīth.^{2Muslim 4:2187 and 2188.}

Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيُقَالُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ امْتَلَأْتِ؟ وَتَقُولُ: هَلْ مِنْ مَزِيدٍ؟ فَيَضَعُ الرَّبُّ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى قَدَمَهُ عَلَيْهَا فَتَقُولُ: قَطْ قَطْ

«Jahannam will be asked, "Are you full?" and it will say, "Are there any more?" Until the Lord, the Blessed and Most Honored, puts His Foot over it and it will say: "Enough! Enough!"»^{3Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:460.}

Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthتَحَاجَّتِ الْجَنَّةُ وَالنَّارُ فَقَالَتِ النَّارُ: أُوثِرْتُ بِالْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ وَالْمُتَجَبِّرِينَ. وَقَالَتِ الْجَنَّةُ: مَالِي لَا يَدْخُلُنِي إِلَّا ضُعَفَاءُ النَّاسِ وَسَقَطُهُمْ. قَالَ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِلْجَنَّةِ: أَنْتِ رَحْمَتِي أَرْحَمُ بِكِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِي. وَقَالَ لِلنَّارِ: إِنَّمَا أَنْتِ عَذَابِي أُعَذِّبُ بِكِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِي وَلِكُلِّ وَاحِدَةٍ مِنْكُمَا مِلْؤُهَا، فَأَمَّا النَّارُ فَلَا تَمْتَلِىءُ حَتَّى يَضَعَ رِجْلَهُ فِيهَا فَتَقُولُ: قَطْ قَطْ، فَهُنَالِكَ تَمْتَلِىءُ وَيَنْزَوِي بَعْضُهَا إِلَى بَعْضٍ وَلَا يَظْلِمُ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ أَحَدًا، وَأَمَّا الْجَنَّةُ فَإِنَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُنْشِيءُ لَهَا خَلْقًا آخَرَ

«Paradise and the Fire quarreled. The Fire said, "I have been favored with the arrogant people and tyrants." Paradise said, "What is wrong with me that only the poor and humble people enter me?" Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said to Paradise, "You are My mercy, with which I grant mercy to those whom I will among My servants." He said to Hell, "You are My punishment which I inflict upon whom I wish from My servants, and I shall fill both of you." As for Hellfire, it will not have its fill until Allāh puts His Foot over it and she will say, "Enough! Enough!" She will become full and its sides will come close to each other. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored shall not be unjust to any one of His creatures. As for Paradise, Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored will create another creation to fill it.»^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:460.}

Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:31وَأُزْلِفَتِ ٱلْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ

«And Paradise will be Uzlifat to those who had Taqwā, not far off.»

meaning, Paradise will be brought close and near to the pious, according to Qatādah, Abu Mālik and As-Suddi,^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:363.}

Qur’an 50:31غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ

«not far off», and this will occur on the Day of Resurrection, which is not far off. Surely that Day will come to pass and all that is bound to come, is near,

Qur’an 50:32هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ

«This is what you were promised - (it is) for those returning»

who go back to Allāh in sincere repentance intending not to repeat sin,

Qur’an 50:32حَفِيظٍ

«Ḥafiẓ», who preserve their covenant with Allāh and do not break or betray it,

Qur’an 50:33مَّنْ خَشِىَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ

«Who feared Ar-Raḥmān unseen» who feared Allāh in secret when only Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored could see him. The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthوَرَجُلٌ ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى خَالِيًا، فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ

«And a man who remembered Allāh the Exalted while alone, and his eyes became tearful.»^{6Fatḥ Al-Bāri 2:168. That is, one of those under the shade of the Throne.}

Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:33وَجَآءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ

«and brought a heart turned in repentance.»

meaning, he will meet Allāh, the Exalted and Most Honored, on the Day of Resurrection with a heart turned in repentance to Him and absolutely free (of Shirk) and humbled to Him,

Qur’an 50:34ٱدْخُلُوهَا

«Enter you therein», meaning Paradise,

Qur’anبِسَلَٰمٍ

«in peace and security», they will earn security from the torment of Allāh, the Exalted and Most Honored, and the angels of Allāh will greet them with the Salām, according to the explanation of Qatādah.^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:366.} The statement of Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored:

Qur’an 50:34ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُلُودِ

«-

this is a Day of eternal life!», meaning, they will reside in Paradise forever and will never die, neither be transferred from it nor wish to be transferred from it. The statement of Allāh the All-Mighty,

Qur’an 50:35لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا

«There they will have all that they desire», means, whatever delights they wish and desire, they will find it brought before them.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 50:35وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ

«and We have more.» is similar to His other statement,

Qur’an 10:26لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ وَزِيَادَةٌ

«For those who have done good is the best and even more.»(10:26)

In the Ṣaḥīḥ, Muslim recorded that Ṣuhayb bin Sinān Ar-Rūmi said that 'more' refers to looking at the Most Honorable Face of Allāh.^{8Muslim 1:163.}

Qur’an 50:36–40وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُۥ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ ٱلْغُرُوبِ وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَٰرَ ٱلسُّجُودِ

«36. And how many a generation We have destroyed before them who were stronger in power than they. And they went about the land! Could they find any place of refuge?»

«37. Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.»

«38. And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.»

«39. So bear with patience all that they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting.»

«40. And during a part of the night (also) glorify His praises and (so likewise) after the prostrations.»

Warning the Disbelievers of the imminent Torment; commanding the Prophet ﷺ to pray and have Patience

Allāh the Exalted asks, 'how many We have destroyed before these denying disbelievers?'

Qur’an 50:36مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا

«a generation who were stronger in power than they.»

they were more numerous, mightier than they and who constructed on the earth and built on it more than they. The statement of Allāh the Exalted,

Qur’an 50:36فَنَقَّبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ

«And they went about the land! Could they find any place of refuge?»

Ibn 'Abbās commented, "They left the traces throughout the land,"^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:371.} Qatādah said, "They traveled throughout the land seeking provisions through trade and business, more than you have." Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 50:36هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ

«Could they find any place of refuge?» means, 'could they find a shelter from Allāh's decision and appointed destiny? Have what they collected benefited them or averted Allāh's torment when it came to them on account of their denial of the Messengers? Likewise, you will never be able to avert avoid, or find refuge or shelter (from His torment).' Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 50:37إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ

«Verily, therein is indeed a reminder» and a lesson,

Qur’an 50:37لِمَن كَانَ لَهُۥ قَلْبٌ

«for him who has a heart» meaning, a sound understanding with which he comprehends, or, a good mind, according to Mujāhid,

Qur’an 50:37أَوْ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ

«or gives ear while he is heedful.» meaning, he hears the speech, comprehends and understands it in his mind and grasps its indications with his intellect. Mujāhid said that,

Qur’an 50:37أَوْ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّمْعَ

«or gives ear», means, he does not talk to himself but listens with an attentive heart.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:373.} Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk commented, "The Arabs would say that someone has given ear when he hears with his ears, while his heart is present and not absent."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:374.} Ath-Thawri and several others said similarly.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:374.} The statement of Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored;

Qur’an 50:38وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ

«And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all that between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.»

is emphasis on the Resurrection because He Who is able to create the heavens and earth without fatigue, then surely He is able to resurrect the dead. Qatādah said, "The Jews, may Allāh's curses descend on them, said that Allāh created the heavens and earth in six days and then rested on the seventh day, which was the Sabbath. This is why they call it a holiday. Allāh the Exalted then sent down denial of their statement and false opinion."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:376.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 50:38وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ

«and nothing of fatigue touched Us.» indicating that no sleep, exhaustion or weariness affects Him. Allāh the Exalted the Blessed said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 46:33أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَلَمْ يَعْىَ بِخَلْقِهِنَّ بِقَٰدِرٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يُحْـِۧىَ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

«Do they not see that Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.»(46:33),

Qur’an 40:57لَخَلْقُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ خَلْقِ ٱلنَّاسِ

«The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind.»(40:57) and,

Qur’an 79:27ءَأَنتُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَمِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بَنَىٰهَا

«Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He constructed?»(79:27)

Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 50:39فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ

«So bear with patience all that they say,» in reference to those who deny the Prophet ﷺ, ordering him to be patient with them and turn away from them in a good way,

Qur’an 50:39وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ ٱلْغُرُوبِ

«and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting.»

There were two ordained prayers prior to the Isrā' journey. One before the rising of the sun at dawn and the other before sunset in the evening. Qiyām Al-Layl, prayer at night, was a command for the Prophet ﷺ and his followers for sometime but it was later abrogated for the Ummah. Later, during the Isrā' journey, Allāh abrogated all of the previous orders for prayer by ordaining five daily prayers, including the prayers of Fajr before sunrise, and 'Aṣr in the late afternoon. Imām Aḥmad recorded that Jarīr bin 'Abdullāh said, "When we were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ, he looked at the full moon and said,

Ḥadīthأَمَا إِنَّكُمْ سَتُعْرَضُونَ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ فَتَرَوْنَهُ كَمَا تَرَوْنَ هَذَا الْقَمَرَ لَا تُضَامُونَ فِيهِ، فَإِنِ اسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَنْ لَا تُغْلَبُوا عَلَىٰ صَلَاةٍ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا فَافْعَلُوا

«Certainly you will be brought before your Lord and will see Him as you see this moon, and you will have no trouble in seeing Him. So, if you can avoid missing the prayer before the sunrise and the prayer before sunset, you must do so.»

He then recited Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 50:39وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ ٱلْغُرُوبِ

«and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting.»"^{6Aḥmad 4:365.}

The Two Ṣaḥīḥs and the rest of the Group collected this Ḥadīth through the chain of Ismā'īl.^{7Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:462, Muslim 1:439, Abu Dāwud 5:97, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:265, An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā, 6:469 and Ibn Mājah 1:63.}

Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:40وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ

«And during a part of the night glorify His praises», meaning pray to Him. Allāh said Āyah,

Qur’an 17:79وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

«And in some parts of the night offer the Ṣalāh with it, as an additional prayer for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqām Maḥmūd.» (17:79)

Ibn Abi Najīḥ reported that Mujāhid said that Ibn 'Abbās said that,

Qur’an 50:40وَأَدْبَٰرَ ٱلسُّجُودِ

«and after the prostrations.» refers to Tasbīḥ, i.e. glorifying Allāh's praises, after the prayers.^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 22:381.} There is a Ḥadīth collected in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that supports this meaning. Abu Hurayrah said, "Some poor migrants came and said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment.' The Prophet ﷺ said,

«وَمَا ذَاكَ؟»

«Why is that?» They said, 'They pray as we do, fast as we do, yet they give charity, but we can not. They free slaves, but we can not.' The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَفَلَا أُعَلِّمُكُمْ شَيْئًا إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ سَبَقْتُمْ مَنْ بَعْدَكُمْ وَلَا يَكُونُ أَحَدٌ أَفْضَلَ مِنْكُمْ إِلَّا مَنْ فَعَلَ مِثْلَ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ؟ تُسَبِّحُونَ وَتَحْمَدُونَ وَتُكَبِّرُونَ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ ثَلَاثًا وَثَلَاثِينَ

«Shall I tell you about something that, if you did it, you would catch up with those who have surpassed you and nobody would be better than you except those who would do the same? Say, 'Subḥān Allāh, Alḥamdulillah and Allāhu Akbar,' thirty-three times each after every prayer.»

Later, they came back and said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! Our brethren, the wealthy Muslims, heard of what we did and they also did the same.' The Prophet ﷺ said,

«ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ»

«This is a favor and grace of Allāh, and He grants it to whom He wills.»"^{9Fatḥ Al-Bāri 2:378.}

There is another way of explaining the Āyah. It is that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 50:40وَأَدْبَٰرَ ٱلسُّجُودِ

«and after the prostrations.» refers to the two Rak'ahs after the Maghrib prayer. This was reported from 'Umar bin Al-Khaṭṭāb, 'Ali bin Abi Ṭālib and his son Al-Ḥasan, 'Abdullāh bin 'Abbās, Abu Hurayrah and Abu Umāmah, may Allāh be pleased with them. This is also the saying of Mujāhid, 'Ikrimah, Ash-Sha'bi, An-Nakha'ī, Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri, Qatādah, and others.

Arabic quotation as printed; not matched to Tanzil, so not shown as the Qur’anوَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُۥ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ ٱلْغُرُوبِ وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَٰرَ ٱلسُّجُودِ وَٱسْتَمِعْ يَوْمَ يُنَادِ ٱلْمُنَادِ مِن مَّكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ ٱلصَّيْحَةَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُرُوجِ إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْىِۦ وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْنَا ٱلْمَصِيرُ يَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلْأَرْضُ عَنْهُمْ سِرَاعًا ذَٰلِكَ حَشْرٌ عَلَيْنَا يَسِيرٌ نَّحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِجَبَّارٍ فَذَكِّرْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ وَٱلذَّٰرِيَٰتِ ذَرْوًا فَٱلْحَٰمِلَٰتِ وِقْرًا فَٱلْجَٰرِيَٰتِ يُسْرًا فَٱلْمُقَسِّمَٰتِ أَمْرًا إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَصَادِقٌ وَإِنَّ ٱلدِّينَ لَوَٰقِعٌ

Qur’an 50:41–45وَٱسْتَمِعْ يَوْمَ يُنَادِ ٱلْمُنَادِ مِن مَّكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ ٱلصَّيْحَةَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُرُوجِ إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْىِۦ وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْنَا ٱلْمَصِيرُ يَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلْأَرْضُ عَنْهُمْ سِرَاعًا ذَٰلِكَ حَشْرٌ عَلَيْنَا يَسِيرٌ نَّحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِجَبَّارٍ فَذَكِّرْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ

«41. And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place.» «42. The Day when they will hear Aṣ-Ṣayḥah in truth, that will be the Day of coming out.» «43. Verily, it is We Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return.» «44. On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them (they will come out) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.» «45. We know best what they say. And you are not the one to force them. But warn by the Qur'ān; him who fears My threat.»

Admonition from Some Scenes of the Day of Resurrection

Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:41وَٱسْتَمِعْ

«And listen» 'O Muḥammad,'

Qur’an 50:41يَوْمَ يُنَادِ ٱلْمُنَادِ مِن مَّكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ

«on the Day when the caller will call from a near place.» to the gathering for the Day of Judgement,

Qur’an 50:42يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ ٱلصَّيْحَةَ بِٱلْحَقِّ

«The Day when they will hear Aṣ-Ṣayḥah in truth,»

in reference to the blowing in the Trumpet which will bring forth the truth that most of them discounted and denied,

Qur’an 50:42ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُرُوجِ

«that will be the Day of coming out.» from the graves,

Qur’an 50:43إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْىِۦ وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْنَا ٱلْمَصِيرُ

«Verily, it is We Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return.»

Allāh is He Who starts creation and then brings it back to life, and the latter is easier for Him; to Him is the final return of all creations. At this time, He will recompense each according to his or her deeds, good for good and evil for evil. Allāh the Exalted said,

Qur’an 50:44يَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلْأَرْضُ عَنْهُمْ سِرَاعًا

«On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them (they will come out) hastening forth.»

Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored will send down rain from the sky. From that rain the bodies of the creations will grow while they are in their graves, just as the seed grows in soil in the aftermath of rain. When the bodies grow to their full strength, Allāh the Exalted will command angel Isrāfīl and he will blow in the Trumpet (for a second time). The souls will be enclosed in a hole in the Trumpet. When Isrāfīl blows in the Trumpet, the souls will depart from it and will fly between the heavens and earth. Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored, will declare, "By My grace and power, each soul shall return to the body that it used to inhabit," and indeed, every soul will return to its body. The soul will enter its body just as poison enters the body, then the earth will be uncovered from above them, and they will all stand and head towards the Reckoning place hastening to obey the command of Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored,

Qur’an 54:8مُّهْطِعِينَ إِلَى ٱلدَّاعِ يَقُولُ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ عَسِرٌ

«Hastening towards the caller. The disbelievers will say: "This is a hard Day."»(54:8), and

Qur’an 17:52يَوْمَ يَدْعُوكُمْ فَتَسْتَجِيبُونَ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَتَظُنُّونَ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

«On the Day when He will call you, and you will answer (His Call) with (words of) His praise and obedience, and you will think that you have stayed (in this world) but a little while!» (17:52)

In the Ṣaḥīḥ, it is recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَنَا أَوَّلُ مَنْ تَنْشَقُّ عَنْهُ الْأَرْضُ

«The earth will open up first around me.»^{1Muslim 4:1782.}

Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 50:44ذَٰلِكَ حَشْرٌ عَلَيْنَا يَسِيرٌ

«That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.» 'bringing them back to life is easy for Us and effortless.' Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 54:50وَمَآ أَمْرُنَآ إِلَّا وَٰحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍۭ بِٱلْبَصَرِ

«And Our commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye.»(54:50), and,

Qur’an 31:28مَّا خَلْقُكُمْ وَلَا بَعْثُكُمْ إِلَّا كَنَفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌۢ بَصِيرٌ

«The creation of you all and the resurrection of you all are only as of a single person. Verily, Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Seer.» (31:28)

Comforting the Prophet ﷺ

The statement of Allāh the Exalted and Most High,

Qur’an 50:45نَّحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ

«We know best what they say.» means, 'Our knowledge is all encompassing of the denial that the idolators are confronting you with, so do not be concerned.' In similar Āyāt, Allāh said,

Qur’an 15:97–99وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ يَضِيقُ صَدْرُكَ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلسَّٰجِدِينَ وَٱعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ ٱلْيَقِينُ

«Indeed, We know that your breast is straitened at what they say. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him). And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e., death).» (15:97) Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 50:45وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِجَبَّارٍ

«And you are not the one to force them.» says, 'it is not you who forces them to accept the guidance; this is not a part of your mission.' Allāh the Exalted and Most Honored said,

Qur’an 50:45فَذَكِّرْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ

«But warn by the Qur'ān; him who fears My threat.»

meaning, 'convey the Message of your Lord, for only those who fear Allāh and dread His torment, and hope in His promise will remember and heed,'

Qur’an 13:40فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ وَعَلَيْنَا ٱلْحِسَابُ

«Your duty is only to convey (the Message) and on Us is the reckoning.» (13:40),

Qur’an 88:21–22فَذَكِّرْ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُذَكِّرٌ لَّسْتَ عَلَيْهِم بِمُصَيْطِرٍ

«So remind them – you are only one who reminds. You are not a dictator over them.» (88:21-22)

Qur’an 2:272لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَىٰهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ

«Not upon you is their guidance, but Allāh guides whom He wills.» (2:272) and,

Qur’an 28:56إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِى مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ

«Verily, you guide not whom you like, but Allāh guides whom He wills.» (28:56) Allāh's statement here,

Qur’an 50:45وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِجَبَّارٍ فَذَكِّرْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ

«And you are not the one to force them. But warn by the Qur'ān; him who fears My threat.»

Qatādah used to invoke Allāh by saying, "O Allāh! Make us among those who fear Your threat and hope for Your promise, O Bārr (Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous), O Raḥīm (the Most Merciful)."^{2Al-Qurṭubi 17:29.}

This is the end of the Tafsīr of Sūrah Qāf. All praise is due to Allāh, He is for us, the most excellent Trustee.