Juz 29: Al-Mulk to Al-Mursalāt
Section 9 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
9. The Reckoning and Fate of Believers and Disbelievers
Surah Al-Haqqah continues its powerful discourse by detailing the events of the Day of Judgment with vivid imagery that moves the heart and stirs the consciousness. The surah transitions from discussing the destruction of past nations to describing the terrifying cosmic upheaval that will signal the coming of the Final Hour.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ نَفْخَةٌ وَاحِدَةٌ
“So, when the Trumpet will be blown with a single blow," (69:13)”
This single blast of the trumpet will mark the beginning of tremendous changes in the universe. The earth and mountains will be crushed, the heavens will split apart, and angels will descend to establish Allah's court of judgment. On that day, nothing will remain hidden, and every soul will be brought to account.
What follows is perhaps one of the most striking passages in the Quran regarding the presentation of one's record of deeds. Two contrasting scenarios are painted with remarkable detail. The first describes the believer who receives his book of deeds in his right hand:
فَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِيَمِينِهِ فَيَقُولُ هَاؤُمُ اقْرَءُوا كِتَابِيَهْ. إِنِّي ظَنَنتُ أَنِّي مُلَاقٍ حِسَابِيَهْ
“So, as for him who is given his book in his right hand, he will say, 'Here, read my book! I was sure that I would face my reckoning.'" (69:19-20)”
The joy and exuberance of this person is evident. Like a student who has received excellent grades and excitedly shows them to others, the believer proudly invites others to witness his record. He acknowledges that he always believed in accountability and lived his life accordingly. As a result, he will enjoy a blissful existence in Paradise:
فَهُوَ فِي عِيشَةٍ رَّاضِيَةٍ. فِي جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ. قُطُوفُهَا دَانِيَةٌ
“So he will be in a life of pleasure, in an elevated garden, with its fruits close at hand." (69:21-23)”
In stark contrast, the disbeliever receives his record in his left hand or from behind his back, indicating disgrace and shame:
وَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِشِمَالِهِ فَيَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أُوتَ كِتَابِيَهْ. وَلَمْ أَدْرِ مَا حِسَابِيَهْ
“As for him who is given his book in his left hand, he will say, 'Oh, would that I had not been given my book, and had not known what my account is!'" (69:25-26)”
The anguish in these words is palpable. This person wishes that death had been the final end, with no resurrection or accountability to follow. His wealth and worldly power are rendered entirely useless:
يَا لَيْتَهَا كَانَتِ الْقَاضِيَةَ. مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنِّي مَالِيَهْ. هَلَكَ عَنِّي سُلْطَانِيَهْ
“Oh, would that it (death) had been the end of the matter! My wealth has not been of any use to me. My power has gone from me forever." (69:27-29)”
Allah then addresses the angels regarding this person's punishment:
خُذُوهُ فَغُلُّوهُ. ثُمَّ الْجَحِيمَ صَلُّوهُ
“Take him, and put chains around him, then make him enter the blazing fire," (69:30-31)”
The punishment continues with a seventy-cubit chain and various forms of torment. The surah then explains the reasons for this severe punishment:
إِنَّهُ كَانَ لَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ. وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِينِ
“Indeed, he did not believe in Allah, the Almighty, and did not encourage feeding the poor." (69:33-34)”
Two primary failings are highlighted here: lack of faith in Allah and failure to encourage feeding the poor. This emphasizes that true faith must manifest in compassionate action toward those in need. The reference to "encouraging" feeding the poor implies that even if one cannot personally give charity, they should at least advocate for charitable acts.
On that Day, there will be no friends to help, no food except the discharge from wounds, and no saviors to intervene. Only those who believed and performed righteous deeds will escape this terrible fate.