7. Surah Al-Inshiqaq and Al-Buruj: The Splitting of the Sky and Persecuted Believers

Surah Al-Inshiqaq continues the cosmic description of the Day of Judgment that characterizes many of the short surahs in Juz 30. The surah begins with a vivid portrayal of how the heavens will break apart at the commencement of the Final Hour:

The natural phenomena described in this surah highlight Allah's complete control over His creation. Just as the heavens and earth obey Allah perfectly, they bear witness to human deeds and testify on the Day of Judgment. The surah emphasizes that every person will face accountability for their actions, as Allah states:

Following this warning, Allah describes two categories of people on the Day of Judgment. Those who receive their record of deeds in their right hand will undergo an easy reckoning and return to their families in Paradise with joy. In contrast, those who receive their record behind their backs will call for destruction upon themselves and enter the blazing Fire.

Notably, Allah takes three oaths in this surah—by the twilight, by the night, and by the moon when it becomes full—to emphasize that humanity will surely progress from one stage to another in the Hereafter. This progression refers to the various stages and trials people will face on the Day of Judgment based on their worldly deeds. However, Allah makes an exception for the believers, stating that those who believe and perform righteous deeds will receive an uninterrupted reward.

Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of Stars) begins with Allah swearing by the heaven containing great constellations. The central narrative of this surah revolves around a historical event of severe persecution against believers:

These verses refer to believers who were thrown into trenches filled with fire because of their faith. According to authentic narrations, this may refer to the followers of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) who were persecuted by a pagan ruler in Yemen, possibly Dhu Nuwas, who killed approximately 20,000 believers by burning them alive. Alternatively, it could refer to the story mentioned in Sahih Muslim about a boy who adhered to true faith despite a ruler's attempts to have him renounced it, leading to the mass conversion of people and their subsequent martyrdom.

The surah offers solace to the persecuted believers throughout history—including the early Muslims who faced oppression in Makkah—by assuring them that their persecutors will face divine punishment. Allah emphasizes that He is fully aware of what the disbelievers do, and His grasp is severe when He decides to punish wrongdoers. Yet, He is also "Al-Ghafoor Al-Wadood"—the Most Forgiving, the Most Loving—showing that His mercy remains available for those who turn to Him.

The surah concludes by affirming the preserved status of the Quran as a "Glorious Quran preserved in the Protected Tablet," assuring believers of its divine origin and protection from corruption, thereby establishing its authority as the ultimate source of guidance and comfort.