Surah Name: An-Nazi'at (سورة النازعات)
Translation: Those Who Tear Out
Origin of name: The surah takes its name from the word An-Nazi'at in the first verse, meaning “those who tear out with force,” referring to angels who extract souls forcefully.
Surah Number: 79
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 46
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Late Makkan period
Historical Context
Surah An-Nazi'at was revealed during the closing years of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission in Makkah, a time marked by strong opposition from the Quraysh leaders and increased tension surrounding the Islamic message. During this period, the message of the afterlife, especially the reality of resurrection and the Day of Judgment, faced severe denial from the Makkans, who insisted that such ideas were impossible. The Quraysh viewed death as the end of existence and mocked the notion that people could be brought back to life.
Revealed in a time when doctrine about resurrection was a point of public ridicule, Surah An-Nazi'at responded with clarity and force. Its dramatic language and vivid imageries of the Day of Judgment were meant to awaken consciences and instill a sense of moral urgency among its listeners.
An-Nazi‘at is among the surahs of the Qur’an that begin with Surah Al-Mulk, the sixty-seventh chapter, and continue to the end of the Qur’an. Except for four, all of them are Makki, and with few exceptions, they touch upon the Day of Resurrection.
Main Themes of Surah An-Nazi'at
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The Reality of the Day of Judgment:
The surah begins with a series of oaths, drawing attention to the seriousness and certainty of the Day of Judgment. It refutes the claims of those who deny resurrection and emphasizes that it will happen suddenly and powerfully. -
The Role of Angels or Cosmic Forces:
The opening verses describe beings who are swift and forceful in performing duties. These are interpreted either as angels responsible for taking souls and managing the universe, or as celestial objects, all showing the order and power of creation under Allah's command. -
The Story of Pharaoh and Moses:
The surah presents the arrogance of Pharaoh and his rejection of Prophet Musa’s (Moses) call to worship Allah. Pharaoh’s punishment is mentioned as a warning to all who act in pride and deny accountability before God. -
Creation as a Sign of Resurrection:
The surah draws attention to the orderly creation of the universe—the earth, the sky, mountains, and water systems—as signs that the One who created all this can certainly restore life after death. -
Consequences Based on Deeds:
A clear contrast is made between the fate of the wicked and the righteous. Those who follow their desires and ignore meeting their Lord will face Hell, while those who fear God and control their desires will enter Paradise. -
Knowledge of the Hour Belongs to Allah Alone:
The exact time of the Day of Judgment is known only to Allah. The Prophet’s role is not to predict its timing but to warn those who are afraid of its coming so they can prepare. -
The Shortness of Worldly Life:
In the end, disbelievers will realize how short and temporary their worldly life was—feeling as if they lived only a part of a day. This highlights the insignificance of earthly pleasures compared to eternal consequences.
Key Lessons from Surah An-Naziat
- The Day of Judgment will come suddenly and powerfully.
- Allah alone knows when the Day of Judgment will happen.
- Those who follow their desires and neglect accountability will enter Hell.
- Those who fear standing before Allah and control their desires will enter Paradise.
- The universe and its order prove the power and control of Allah.
- This life is short; After their death people will think they only lived for a part of a day in the world.
Notable Ayahs from Surah An-Nazi'at
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Verse 1-6:
"By those ˹angels˺ stripping out ˹evil souls˺ harshly, and those pulling out ˹good souls˺ gently, and those gliding ˹through heavens˺ swiftly, and those taking the lead vigorously, and those conducting affairs ˹obediently˺! ˹Consider˺ the Day ˹when˺ the quaking Blast will come to pass,"
A powerful oath referring to the angels carrying out Allah’s commands and possibly cosmic events, emphasizing the coming of the Day of Judgment. -
Verse 10-12:
"˹But now˺ they ask ˹mockingly˺, “Will we really be restored to our former state, even after we have been reduced to decayed bones?”
Referring the deniers. -
Verse 27-29:
"Which is harder to create: you or the sky? He built it, raising it high and forming it flawlessly. He dimmed its night, and brought forth its daylight."
A reflection on the power of Allah through the creation of the universe as a sign of His ability to bring about the resurrection. -
Verse 34-36:
"But when the Great Calamity arrives—the Day each person will remember what they put forth—and Hell will be made visible for all to see…"
A vivid warning about the Day of Judgment and the exposure of each person’s deeds. -
Verse 40-41:
"And as for those who were in awe of standing before their Lord and restrained themselves from ˹evil˺ desires, Paradise will certainly be ˹their˺ home."
A promise of reward for those who resist sinful desires out of reverence for Allah. -
Verse 42-44:
"They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ regarding the Hour, “When will it be?” But it is not for you to tell its time. That knowledge rests with your Lord ˹alone˺."
An important reminder that the timing of the Last Day is known only to Allah. -
Verse 46:
"On the Day they see it, it will be as if they had stayed ˹in the world˺ no more than one evening or its morning."
An expression of how short worldly life will seem when people are faced with the reality of the Hereafter.
