075 Al-Qiyaama

and I swear by the self-reproaching soul[1]!

Translation notes: [1] Of the believer, which blames oneself whenever falls into sin or error.

Does man think that We cannot reassemble his bones?

In fact, We are able to restore even his very fingertips.

But man desires to persist in sin[2],

Translation notes: [2] While denying the coming of the Day of Judgment.

and asks [mockingly], “When is the Day of Resurrection?”

But when the sight is dazzled,

and the moon is darkened,

and the sun and the moon are brought together[3],

Translation notes: [3] They both have never been together since they were created. On this Day they will be brought together, darkened, and both will be thrown into the Hell; so that all should know that they were subservient created beings, especially those who worshiped them.

on that Day man will say, “Where is the escape?”

No indeed! There will be no refuge.

On that Day all will end up before your Lord.

On that Day man will be informed of what he has sent forth[4] and left behind[5].

Translation notes: [4] i.e., of his deeds for the Hereafter. [5] i.e., that which he failed to do.

In fact, man will be a witness against himself[6],

Translation notes: [6] His organs will testify against him, as mentioned in 36:65 and 41:20-23.

despite the excuses he may put forward.

Do not move your tongue [O Prophet] in haste trying to memorize it.

It is upon Us to make you memorize and recite it.

Then when We recite it [through Gabriel], follow its recitation attentively;

then it is upon Us to explain its meanings.

No indeed! You [people] love this fleeting world,

and neglect the Hereafter.

On that Day some faces will be bright,

looking at their Lord[7].

Translation notes: [7] The dwellers of Paradise will be granted the honor of actually seeing their Lord in the Hereafter.

And on that Day, some faces will be gloomy,

knowing that a crushing calamity will befall them.

Indeed, when the soul reaches the throat[8],

Translation notes: [8] Upon death.

and it is said, “Is there any healer?”

And he realizes that it is time to depart,

when legs are brought together [in a shroud][9];

Translation notes: [9] The difficulties the person faces while leaving this world and moving on to the Hereafter; or the people arrange for the departure of his body, while angels arrange for the departure of his soul.

on that Day, he will be driven to your Lord.

He neither believed nor prayed;

rather he denied and turned away,

then he went to his people, elated with pride,

Woe to you, and woe!

Again, woe to you, and woe!

Does man think that he will be left neglected[10]?

Translation notes: [10] i.e., without purpose and responsibility, or without returning to Allah for account.

Was he not once a drop of semen emitted,

then he became a clinging clot[11], then He created him and perfected his form,

Translation notes: [11] "‘Alaqah": an embryo that resembles a leech.

and made from him both genders, male and female?

Is not He able to bring the dead back to life?