056 Al-Waaqia

there will be none to deny its occurrence;

it will bring some low and raise others up[1].

Translation notes: [1] According to their deeds rather than wealth and social position, as is the case in this world. The righteous will be elevated in Paradise and the wicked will be debased in Hell.

When the earth is shaken violently,

and the mountains crushed to pieces,

and turn to scattered dust,

then you are sorted into three groups:

the people of the right – how blessed will be the people of the right[2]!

Translation notes: [2] i.e., those who receive their record of deeds in the right hand and are destined for Paradise.

The people of the left – how miserable will be the people of the left[3]!

Translation notes: [3] i.e., those who receive their record of deeds in the left hand and are destined for Hell.

And the forerunners [in faith] are the forerunners [in Paradise].

They are the nearest ones [to Allah],

in Gardens of Bliss,

many from the early generations,

and a few from the later generations.

[They will be seated] on jeweled couches,

reclining on them, facing one another.

They will be served by immortal youths

with cups, pitchers, and glasses [of wine] from a flowing spring,

which will neither cause any headache nor intoxication,

along with fruits of their choice,

and flesh of birds that they may desire.

And [they will have] maidens with wide gorgeous eyes,

like pristine pearls,

as a reward for what they used to do.

They will not hear therein any idle talk or sinful speech,

except the words of peace, peace[4].

Translation notes: [4] i.e., only exchanging greetings of peace.

The people of the right – how blessed will be the people of the right!

[They will be] in the midst of thornless lote trees,

and clusters of bananas,

and extended shade,

and flowing water,

and abundant fruit –

neither ceasing nor restricted –

and elevated mattresses [on beds].

Indeed, We have perfectly created them [i.e., their spouses],

and have made them virgins,

loving and of equal age,

for the people of the right,

many from the earlier generations,

and many from the later generations.

And the people of the left – how wretched will be the people of the left!

[They will be] in scorching wind and scalding water,

in the shade of black smoke,

neither cool nor refreshing.

Indeed, they used to be in luxuries before,

and persisted in the gravest sin[5].

Translation notes: [5] i.e., Shirk (associating partners with Allah) or disbelief.

They used to say, "When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be raised again?

And our forefathers as well?”

Say, [O Prophet], “Indeed, the former and later generations

will be gathered on a predetermined Day.

Then you, O misguided deniers,

will surely eat from the tree of zaqqūm[6],

Translation notes: [6] See footnote 44:43-46.

filling your bellies with it,

and drinking scalding water on top of it,

drinking like thirsty camels do.”

This will be their welcome on the Day of Judgment.

It is We Who created you; why do you not then believe [in resurrection]?

Have you thought about the semen that you emit?

Is it you who create it, or is it We Who are the Creators?

We have ordained death among you, and nothing can overcome us

from transforming you and recreating you in forms that you do not know[7].

Translation notes: [7] Or "from replacing you by others like yourselves [in this life] and creating you [in the Hereafter] in that which you do not know."

You are well aware of the first creation; why do you not then take heed?

Have you thought about what you sow?

Is it you who cause it to grow, or is it We Who make it grow?

If We willed, We could reduce your harvest to rubble, leaving you to wonder and lament,

“We suffered loss,

rather, we are deprived.”

Have you thought about the water that you drink?

Is it you who bring it down from the clouds, or is it We Who bring it down?

If We willed, We could make it salty; will you not then give thanks?

Have you thought about the fire that you kindle?

Is it you who produced its trees[8], or is it We Who produced it?

Translation notes: [8] Referring to Arabian trees, markh and ‘afār, which produce fire when their green branches are rubbed against each other.

We made it a reminder [of the Hellfire] and a benefit for the travelers[9].

Translation notes: [9] By which they ignite fire. Travelers are mentioned in particular because it is of special convenience to them, although it is of use for all people in general.

So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.

I do swear[10] by the positions of the stars –

Translation notes: [10] The negative article "la" (nay) means: The truth is not what is said or thought by disbelievers or others. The oath refutes certain objections of the disbelievers with regard to the Qur’an.

and this is indeed a great oath, if only you knew –

that this is indeed a noble Qur’an,

in a well-preserved Record[11],

Translation notes: [11] i.e., the Preserved Tablet.

that none can touch except the purified ones[12] –

Translation notes: [12] i.e., angels. It refutes the claim of the pagans that the Qur’an was sent down by devils. (See 26:210-212). Based on this verse, many Muslim jurists held that one should perform ablution prior to reading the Qur’an.

a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.

Do you take this discourse lightly,

and instead [of thanking Allah] for the provision you are given, you show ingratitude?

Then why [are you helpless] when the soul reaches the throat,

while you are looking on,

when We are closer[13] to him than you, but you do not see?

Translation notes: [13] We are closer to him in terms of Knowledge and Power; Our angels are closer in person.

If you are not subject to retribution, then why do you not

bring that [soul] back, if you are truthful?

If that dying person is one of those who will be brought near to Allah,

then [he will have] comfort, fragrance[14], and a Garden of Bliss.

Translation notes: [14] lit., fragrant basil. Paradise is described in the Qur’an as being pleasant to the eye, the heart, and the ear. Here it also emphasizes the scent.

If he is one of the people of the right,

[He will be told], “Peace be to you, for being one of the people of the right.”

But if he is one of the misguided deniers,

then he will be welcomed with scalding water,

and he will burn in Blazing Fire.

This is indeed the absolute truth.

So glorify the name of your Lord, the Most Great.