Introduction
The Resurrection is a forty-verse chapter revealed
in Mecca. Most Meccan chapters deal exclusively with the fundamentals of faith,
and this one concentrates particularly on the Day of Resurrection and
humankind’s habit of denying its inevitability. The name of the chapter is
taken from the first verse, and it also describes the theme and subject matter.
It is believed to be one of the earliest chapters revealed, and its style
indicates that the concepts and teachings were presented to the people of Mecca
in brief yet forceful sentences. This chapter predominantly addresses those
who deny the Hereafter and replies to their doubts and objections.
Verses 1 – 15 The inevitability of the Day of Resurrection
The chapter begins with two short introductory sentences.
God swears by the Day of Resurrection and by the self-reproaching soul. The
Day of Resurrection is something that is inevitable; everything in this world
will come to an end it is neither eternal nor everlasting. The
self-reproaching soul is what we today call the conscience. Humankind is
always questioning their actions, for example, in our minds we ask ourselves,
should I have done this or that or perhaps something else. Thus God swears by
two inescapable things. There will be a resurrection and people will always
question themselves.
Do people think that God will not be able to reassemble
their bones? Because He can do that easily, in fact, He can even reshape the
very tips of a person’s fingers. But alas, people want to deny what is ahead
of them, a day of certainty, the Day of Resurrection and mockingly asks when this
day will occur? God answers that it will come when the eyes are dazzled, and
the moon darkens. On that day the sun and the moon will be joined together,
and people will ask where to find a place of refuge. On that day there is no
refuge except with God. That is the only answer to that question. On that
fateful and inevitable day, people will be informed about their deeds, good or
bad, big or small; and even bear witness against themselves.
Verses 16 – 19 Prophet Muhammad and the Quran
These next four verses give Prophet Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon him, instructions regarding the revelation
of the verses of the Quran. He is told not to rush when trying to memorize the
recitation being revealed to him. God will most assuredly make sure you
remember it. And when it is recited to you (Prophet Muhammad) repeat it, and
God will make it clear and understandable for you. God takes total
responsibility for the Quran, its revelation, its recitation, its collection,
and its preservation.
Verses 20 – 30 Opposite outcomes
People love this fleeting life and are heedless of the
Hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, some faces will be radiant and beaming,
turned towards their Lord, looking at indescribable beauty. Others, however,
will look dreadful and despairing, anticipating something devastating to befall
them. Their sins and misdeeds cast a dark shadow over them.
When a person is on the verge of death, someone cries
out, “Who will cure him?” The person will then understand that he is dying. The
road ahead becomes clear. It is the final parting, from his family, friends,
and all worldly possessions. Shortly thereafter he is wrapped in his shroud
and prepared for burial. He will then be led towards his Lord, as if in a
procession, along a road that every living being will eventually have to take.
Death separates a person from their loved ones and does not respond to pleading
or an outpouring of grief. It takes the most powerful as easily as it takes
the weakest, and the tyrant succumbs in exactly the same manner as the one who
was oppressed. The chapter moves on from this distressing death scene, but
its image remains in our consciousness.
Verses 31 – 40 Arrogant rejection and the power of God
In this life the disbeliever denies the truth, fails to
pray, and then turns away, walking back to his people with arrogance and
conceit. Some people refuse to do anything other than deny the truth. They do
not fear God or prepare for the inevitable; instead, they indulge in sinful
behavior not even bothering to conceal their arrogance. Here the Quran issues
a clear warning to these people. Woe to you. Woe is repeated four times in
two short verses. The day comes closer and closer; nearer and nearer. It is a
strong threat, more than a warning. Keep in mind that when the time of death
arrives, it cannot be altered, it cannot be moved forward or backward even by a
nanosecond.
Do some people really think that they will not be
returned to the Creator for judgment? Humankind will not be left to wander
about without purpose. Each person began as a drop of sperm, changed into a
clinging clot (mass of cells) that God proportioned and shaped and made into
one or other of the two sexes, male or female. Just as the reader recognizes
the truth of this, the chapter concludes by asking a simple question. Knowing
all this do people still think that God does not have the power to bring the
dead back to life?