Surah Al-Zalzalah, also known as “The Earthquake,” is the 99th chapter of the Quran. This profound chapter consists of only eight verses, but its message is weighty and serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Reckoning.
Surah Al-Zalzalah – The Earthquake Translation
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Surah Al-Zalzalah
- When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
- And the earth discharges its burdens
- And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” –
- That Day, it will report its news
- Because your Lord has commanded it.
- That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds.
- So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,
- And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.
Surah Az-Zalzalah Explanation by Noman Ali Video:
The Earthquake of Resurrection
The Surah opens with a vivid description of a mighty earthquake, shaking the earth violently. The word “Zalzalah” itself denotes a repetitive and intense shaking, signifying that the entire earth will be shaken with great convulsions. This event is often interpreted as the beginning of the Resurrection, where all living beings will perish, and the world, as we know it, will be disrupted.
The description of the earthquake is so vivid that it portrays the earth being shaken to its utmost intensity. This intense shaking will usher in the second stage of Resurrection, where all generations of humanity will rise again. This interpretation is supported by the subsequent themes within the Surah.
The Earth Unburdens Its Secrets
Verse 2 of Surah Al-Zalzalah tells us that the earth will throw up all its burdens. This implies that not only will the earth cast out the bodies of the dead but also reveal all traces and evidence of their past deeds, words, and actions. The earth will bear witness to what transpired on its surface, exposing the deeds of all those who ever lived upon it.
This verse can also be interpreted to mean that the earth will reveal the hidden treasures of wealth, gold, silver, and jewels, buried beneath its surface. These treasures will be laid bare before humanity, serving as a reminder of how people often resorted to injustice, theft, and even wars to amass such wealth. Instead of being a source of joy, these treasures will become a source of punishment for those who sought them at any cost.
The Bewildered Question
Verse 3 presents a scene where people, upon witnessing this colossal event, will cry out in bewilderment, “What is the matter with her?” This question arises from their astonishment at the earth’s unprecedented behavior. For those who denied the Hereafter, this event will challenge their skepticism, as the impossible unfolds before their eyes. In contrast, the believers will witness the event as a confirmation of their faith.
The Earth’s Testimony
Verse 4 emphasizes that on that Day, the earth will narrate all of its news. This narration will not be mere storytelling but a comprehensive testimony to the deeds and actions of every individual. It is as if the earth itself will bear witness to all that transpired on its surface.
According to Islamic tradition, this testimony will include the precise account of everything that occurred, preserving the words, actions, and intentions of individuals. It will provide unassailable proof in the court of divine justice.
Commanded by the Lord
Verse 5 reinforces the idea that all these extraordinary events are occurring under the command of the Lord. This emphasizes the divine will and purpose behind the Day of Resurrection, reminding humanity that they will be held accountable for their deeds.
The Gathering of Humanity
Verse 6 tells us that people will emerge from their graves in varying states, scattered in groups. This depiction mirrors the idea that individuals will rise from their resting places, and various groups and nations will come together. The scene highlights the Day of Resurrection’s universality and underscores that all of humanity will be gathered for judgment.
Divine Justice
The Surah concludes with verses 7 and 8, emphasizing the concept of divine justice. These verses underscore that nothing, not even an atom’s weight of good or evil, will go unnoticed or unrewarded. Every individual’s deeds, no matter how small, will be accounted for and recompensed.
This principle serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of every good deed and the significance of avoiding even minor wrongdoings. It is a testament to the meticulous nature of divine justice, where individuals will see the outcomes of their actions, whether good or evil.
Frequently Asked Question about Surah Az-Zalzalah:
Q1: What does “Zalzalah” mean in Surah Al-Zalzalah?
A1: In Surah Al-Zalzalah, “Zalzalah” refers to a violent and repetitive shaking or earthquake that will occur during the Day of Resurrection. It signifies a great upheaval in which the entire earth will shake intensely, and this event is often associated with the start of the Resurrection.
Q2: What is the significance of the earth “throwing up its burdens” in verse 2 of Surah Al-Zalzalah?
A2: The earth “throwing up its burdens” in Surah Al-Zalzalah signifies that, on the Day of Resurrection, the earth will not only reveal the bodies of the deceased but also expose all traces and evidence of their past deeds, words, and actions. This is a symbolic representation of how the earth will bear witness to all that occurred on its surface, serving as a testimony of human behavior.
Q3: How will the earth “narrate all its news” as mentioned in verse 4 of Surah Al-Zalzalah?
A3: The phrase “narrate all its news” in Surah Al-Zalzalah is a figurative way of expressing that the earth will provide a comprehensive testimony of the deeds and actions of every individual. It signifies that the earth will reveal the precise account of everything that transpired, preserving the words, actions, and intentions of individuals. This testimony will serve as undeniable proof in the divine court of justice.
Q4: What is the main message of Surah Al-Zalzalah?
A4: The primary message of Surah Al-Zalzalah is to remind humanity of the Day of Resurrection and the importance of being accountable for their deeds. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of divine justice, where even the smallest actions will be accounted for and recompensed. The Surah serves as a powerful call to reflection and encourages individuals to live with integrity and consciousness of their Creator, knowing that their every action holds significance in the sight of God.
Q5: What is the significance of the varying states in which people will emerge, as mentioned in verse 6 of Surah Al-Zalzalah?
A5: The mention of people emerging in varying states in Surah Al-Zalzalah signifies that individuals will rise from their resting places, and different groups and nations will come together for judgment on the Day of Resurrection. This emphasizes the universality of the Day of Resurrection and the gathering of all of humanity for accountability and judgment. It highlights the equality of all before God, regardless of their status or background.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Zalzalah is a powerful reminder of the Day of Resurrection, when the earth will bear witness to the deeds of humanity. It serves as a call to reflection and accountability, urging individuals to be mindful of their actions and their consequences. The Surah underscores the all-encompassing nature of divine justice and the importance of even the smallest deeds in shaping one’s ultimate fate. As believers, it encourages us to live with integrity and consciousness of our Creator, knowing that our every action has significance in the sight of God.
