Surah Name: An-Naba (سورة النبأ)
Translation: The Great News
Origin of name: The surah is named after the word "Naba’" mentioned in verse 2, which means "The Great News," referring to the Day of Resurrection.
Surah Number: 78
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 40
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Late in the Makkan period
Historical Context
Surah An-Naba was revealed during the later period of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission in Makkah. At that time, the opposition from the Quraysh against the Prophet and his followers was at its peak. Although many of the Quraysh accepted the idea of a Creator, they rejected the message of accountability after death and the concept of a Day of Judgment. This rejection was rooted in their desire to preserve their lifestyle, power, and traditions without having to answer for their actions.
The surah addresses the debates and doubts among the disbelievers concerning life after death. It was common for the Quraysh to mock the believers, questioning the reality of resurrection and openly denying the idea of an eternal life. In such an atmosphere, this surah came as a firm reminder of the reality and certainty of the Day of Judgment.
Its purpose was to confront the arrogance and denial of the polytheistic society of Makkah and to reawaken in their minds the logical and observable signs of God's power in creation—such as the earth, mountains, night, day, and rain—showing that the One who created all these can also resurrect human beings after death.
Surah an-Naba is the first Surah of Juz 30 of the Qur'an, commonly referred to as "Amma Juz," which contains 37 Surahs altogether.
It is also reported that in prayer, the Prophet recited Surah Al-Mursalat together with the following Surah An-Naba’ in a single rak‘ah (unit of prayer). [1,2]
References:
[1] al-Bukhārī, “Faḍāʾil al-Qurʾān”, 6, 28
[2] Muslim, “Ṣalāt al-Musāfirīn”, 275–279
Main Themes of Surah An-Naba
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The Reality of the Afterlife:
The surah begins by questioning the disbelievers’ denial and confusion about “the great news” — the Day of Resurrection. It firmly states that this day is a certain reality that people will soon come to know and face, whether they now believe it or not. -
Signs of Allah in Creation:
It highlights several signs in the natural world — the earth, mountains, sleep, night and day, rain, and vegetation — as evidence of Allah’s power and control, reminding people that the Creator of such a well-ordered world can surely bring the dead back to life. -
The Day of Judgment:
The surah refers to the Day of Judgment as “Yawm al-Fasl” (The Day of Decision), when all matters will be settled with complete justice. It gives a vivid and fearful description of Hell for those who deny and live arrogantly. -
Reward for the Righteous:
In contrast to the punishment of disbelievers, the surah describes Paradise as a peaceful and joyful reward for the righteous (the muttaqun), full of blessings like flowing water, gardens, and companions — a place of eternal satisfaction. -
Silence and Truth on the Day of Resurrection:
On that day, no one will be able to speak without Allah’s permission, including the angels. Only truth will be spoken, showing the seriousness and justice of that time. -
Warning and Final Reminder:
The surah concludes with a strong warning: the Day of Judgment will surely happen, and everyone will be rewarded according to their deeds. On that day, the disbelievers will wish they had been turned to dust, showing their deep regret.
Key Lessons from Surah An-Naba
- The Day of Judgment is a great truth that people may argue about, but they will see its reality soon.
- Allah created the earth and the universe with care and purpose to support human life.
- On the Day of Judgment, no one will speak without Allah’s permission, and only the truth will be said.
- Everyone will be rewarded or punished based on what they did in the world.
- Disbelievers will regret their choices and wish to become dust to escape punishment.
Notable Ayahs from Surah An-Naba
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Verse 1-3:
"What are they asking one another about? About the momentous news, over which they disagree."
Refers to the Day of Resurrection, which is the “great news” people disputed and questioned. -
Verse 4-5:
"But no! They will come to know. Again, no! They will come to know."
A strong warning that people denying the truth will soon realize its certainty. -
Verse 6-7:
"Have We not smoothed out the earth ˹like a bed˺, and ˹made˺ the mountains as ˹its˺ pegs,"
Pointing to the signs of God's creation as proof of His power and wisdom. -
Verse 17:
"Indeed, the Day of ˹Final˺ Decision is an appointed time."
The Day of Judgment as inevitable and exact. -
Verse 21-23:
"Indeed, Hell is lying in ambush as a home for the transgressors, where they will remain for ˹endless˺ ages."
A clear warning to those who rebel against God’s commands. -
Verse 38:
"On the Day the ˹holy˺ spirit and the angels will stand in ranks. None will talk, except those granted permission by the Most Compassionate and whose words are true."
Depicts the fear and silence of all creation before Allah on the Day of Judgment. -
Verse 40:
"Indeed, We have warned you of an imminent punishment—the Day every person will see ˹the consequences of˺ what their hands have done, and the disbelievers will cry, “I wish I were dust.”"
A powerful closing verse showing the deep regret of disbelievers on the Last Day.
Scientific Miracle in Surah An-Naba
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Verse 6-7:
"Have We not smoothed out the earth ˹like a bed˺, and ˹made˺ the mountains as ˹its˺ pegs?"Modern geology has revealed that mountains have deep roots—similar to pegs or stakes—that stabilize the Earth's crust. The Qur'an’s analogy of mountains as “pegs” aligns with this understanding, despite being revealed over 1400 years ago, long before this was known to science. This verse is seen by many as a sign that the Qur'an contains knowledge that could only come from the Creator of the world.
Learn more about this scientific miracle here: Mountains in the Qur'an
