Surah Name: Al-Infitar (سورة الانفطار)
Translation: The Splitting (or The Cleaving)
Origin of name: The surah is named after the word "Infitar" in the first verse, meaning “to split” or “to break apart,” which refers to the dramatic breaking of the sky on the Day of Judgment.
Surah Number: 82
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 19
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Late Makkan period, after the revelation of Surah An-Nazi'at
Historical Context
Surah Al-Infitar was revealed in Makkah during a time when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers faced denial, mockery, and rejection from the Qurayshi polytheists. The Makkan period was marked by efforts of the Prophet to call people to the Oneness of Allah, the Day of Judgment, and moral responsibility.
However, many powerful individuals among the Quraysh, such as leaders arrogantly rejected these warnings. They lived with a sense of pride and heedlessness, ignoring the concept of a final reckoning. Their wealth and social status blinded them to the message, and they refused to believe in an afterlife where their deeds would be judged.
In the second section of the Surah, the tone becomes one of reproach and rhetorical questioning, addressing humanity directly: “O man(kind)! What has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord?”
According to islamic tradition, this verse was revealed regarding individuals such as Ubayy ibn Khalaf or Walid ibn al-Mughirah. After reciting it, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said: “His ignorance has deceived him.” [1]
In a hadith narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever wishes to see the Day of Resurrection as if he were witnessing it with his own eyes should recite ‘When the sun is put out’ (Iḏā ash-shamsu kuwwirat), ‘When the sky splits open’ (Iḏā as-samāʾun infatarat), and ‘When the sky bursts open’ (Iḏā as-samāʾun inshaqqat).”[2,3]
References:
[1] Al-Qurṭubī, Tafsir, vol. XIX, p. 245
[2] Musnad, II, 27
[3] Tirmidhī, “Tafsīr”, 74
Main Themes of Surah Al-Infitar
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Scenes of the Day of Judgment:
The surah opens with powerful imagery describing the events of the Last Day: the sky will split, stars will scatter, seas will merge, and graves will be overturned. These cosmic changes emphasize the greatness and terror of the Judgment Day. -
Warning to Humans About Neglecting Their Lord:
A strong rebuke is directed at humans for being deceived about their generous and noble Lord who created them in perfect form. The question “What has deceived you?” is meant to awaken awareness and responsibility in people toward their Creator. -
Accountability and Record-Keeping Angels:
The surah reminds that every person has angels who record their deeds. These “honorable writers” accurately capture everything a person does, making it clear that no action goes unnoticed. -
Reward and Punishment in the Hereafter:
Those who live righteously (al-abrar) will have a joyful end in Paradise, while those who reject truth and commit evil (al-fujjar) will be cast into Hell. This clear contrast shows the importance of moral choices in this life. -
The Seriousness of the Final Judgment:
The surah ends by highlighting the horror of the Day of Judgment. On that day, no human power or excuse will matter—only Allah’s command will rule. It reminds people that they will be completely powerless except by Allah’s will.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Infitar
- The Day of Judgment will begin with great cosmic changes as a sign of its seriousness.
- People often forget their Creator even though He made them perfectly.
- There are noble angels who record all our actions without missing anything.
- No one will have power on that Day; only Allah has full authority.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Infitar
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Verse 1-5:
"When the sky is split open,
And when the stars scatter,
And when the seas burst forth,
And when the graves are overturned—
Each soul will know what it has sent forth and left behind."
These verses vividly describe the terrifying signs of the Day of Judgment. -
Verse 6:
"O man! What has deceived you about your generous Lord?"
A powerful question reminding humans not to be careless about their relationship with Allah. -
Verse 7-8:
"Who created you, fashioned you, and perfected your design, moulding you in whatever form He willed?"
These ayahs reflect on Allah’s power and mercy in creating human beings perfectly. -
Verse 9-11:
"But no! In fact, you deny the ˹final˺ Judgment, while you are certainly observed by vigilant, honourable angels, recording ˹everything˺."
A reminder that every deed of a person is being recorded by the angels. -
Verse 19:
"˹It is˺ the Day no soul will be of ˹any˺ benefit to another whatsoever, for all authority on that Day belongs to Allah ˹entirely˺."
Emphasizes that on the Day of Judgment, only Allah's command will matter.
