2. Surah An-Naba: The Day of Judgment and Creation

Surah an-Naba (The Tiding) opens the final juz of the Quran with a powerful discussion about resurrection after death, a fundamental belief that the disbelievers of Makkah repeatedly questioned and denied. The surah begins by addressing this very skepticism:

The naba' al-'aẓīm (Great News) refers to the Day of Judgment and resurrection after death. The disbelievers of Makkah would mockingly ask when this day would come, expressing their doubt and denial. Allah (swt) responds with a stern warning: "كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ" (They will soon know! Again, they will soon know!), emphasizing the certainty of this event.

To establish the plausibility of resurrection, Allah (swt) then presents powerful evidence from His creation, reminding humans of the intricate design and order in the universe:

Here, Allah (swt) describes how He has spread out the earth as a resting place and established mountains as stabilizing pegs. He mentions the creation of humans in pairs, the blessing of sleep for rest, the alternation of night and day, and the provision of sustenance—all manifestations of His power and wisdom. The logical conclusion is clear: The One who created all this initially can certainly recreate humanity for judgment.

The surah then transitions to a vivid description of the Day of Judgment, which will be heralded by the blowing of the trumpet. On this momentous day:

Allah (swt) depicts the cosmic changes that will occur: the heavens will open like gates, mountains will become like mirages, and people will emerge from their graves in multitudes. Justice will prevail on this day, with both Paradise and Hellfire prepared for their deserving inhabitants.

For the righteous (muttaqīn), there awaits Paradise with gardens, grapevines, companions of equal age, and a cup full of pure drink. This reward is described as a gift and sufficient recompense from Allah (swt), the Most Compassionate.

In contrast, the disbelievers and transgressors face severe punishment in Hellfire, where they will taste only scalding water and purulent discharge. This punishment is described as fitting, for they had denied Allah's signs and failed to expect any reckoning.

The surah concludes with the absolute authority of Allah (swt) on that day. No one will speak except by His permission. The believers will wish they had prepared more good deeds, while the disbelievers will wish they had never been created, saying:

Through powerful imagery and direct address, Surah an-Naba establishes the reality of resurrection, the certainty of judgment, and the consequences of belief and disbelief. It reminds us that our actions in this temporary world determine our eternal destination in the Hereafter.