Meaning of Quran

An-Naba | The Tidings

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[78:1] About what are they asking each other?

[78:2] About the Great Event

[78:3] in which they dispute!

[78:4] Indeed they will soon know.

[78:5] Again, indeed they will soon know.

[78:6] Did We not make the earth a floor,

[78:7] and the mountains bulwarks?

[78:8] And We have created you in pairs,

[78:9] and made your sleep a source of rest,

[78:10] and made the night a covering,

[78:11] and made the day a source of livelihood.

[78:12] And We have built seven strong (skies),

[78:13] and created a luminous lamp (the sun).

[78:14] And We have sent down abundant water from the rain-laden clouds,

[78:15] so that We bring out therewith grain and vegetation,

[78:16] and thick gardens.

[78:17] Surely the Day of Decision is an appointed time,

[78:18] a day when the trumpet will be blown, so you will come in multitudes,

[78:19] and the sky will be opened, so it will become as gates,

[78:20] and the mountains will be set in motion, so they will be as mirage.

[78:21] Surely Jahannam (the Hell) lurks in ambush.

[78:22] (It is) abode for the rebellious people

[78:23] who will be abiding in it for ages.

[78:24] They will taste nothing cool in it, nor a drink,

[78:25] except boiling water and pus,

[78:26] this being a punishment, fully commensurate (with their deeds).

[78:27] They did not expect (to face) accounting (of their deeds),

[78:28] and they rejected Our signs totally.

[78:29] And everything (from their deeds) is thoroughly recorded by Us in writing.

[78:30]’So now taste! We will add nothing to you but torment’.

[78:31] Of course, the God-fearing will have great achievement,

[78:32] gardens and grapes,

[78:33] and buxom maidens of matching age,

[78:34] and goblets filled up to the brim.

[78:35] They will not hear any vain talk therein, nor lies,

[78:36] this being a reward from their Lord, a well calculated grant,

[78:37] (from) the Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the All-Merciful. No one will have power to address Him,

[78:38] on the Day when the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows. They will not speak, except the one who is permitted by the Rahman (the All-Merciful Allah) and speaks aright.

[78:39] That is the Day that is sure to come. So whoever so wishes may take refuge with his Lord.

[78:40] We have warned you of an approaching torment (that will be inflicted) on a day when one will see what his hands have sent ahead, and the disbeliever will say, ‘O would that I had turned into dust’.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah Al-Naba

  1. Title and Position: Surah Al-Naba is the 78th chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Naba” translates to “The Announcement” or “The Tidings,” referring to the news or information about the Day of Judgment and the afterlife that this surah discusses.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 40 verses. It is known for its thematic focus on the Day of Judgment, the wonders of creation as signs of God’s power, and the contrasting fates of the righteous and the wicked.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the reality of the Day of Judgment, the signs in the natural world pointing to God’s existence and power, the rewards for the righteous, and the punishment for the disbelievers.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Naba is significant for its clear depiction of the afterlife, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the eternal consequences of one’s actions.

Detailed Explanation

  1. The Great News: The surah opens with a discussion about “the great news,” prompting a reflection on the Day of Judgment, a fundamental concept that people are either concerned about or dismissive of.
  2. Signs of God’s Power: It enumerates various natural phenomena, such as the creation of the earth, mountains, and rain, as signs of God’s power and mercy, encouraging reflection on the divine orchestration of the universe.
  3. The Day of Judgment: The surah vividly describes the events of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing its inevitability and the profound impact it will have on every soul.
  4. Destinies of the Righteous and the Wicked: It contrasts the destinies awaiting the righteous, who will be in gardens and pleasure, with the severe punishment awaiting the wicked, who deny the truth.
  5. Encouragement to Reflect and Prepare: The surah concludes by urging people to reflect on the messages it contains, to prepare for the afterlife by choosing righteousness over transgression.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah Al-Naba named “The Announcement”?
    • The surah is named “Al-Naba” due to its focus on the crucial information or announcement about the Day of Judgment and the afterlife, which are central themes of the chapter.
  2. How does Surah Al-Naba describe the Day of Judgment?
    • It provides a detailed and vivid description of the Day of Judgment, highlighting its significance, the transformative events that will occur, and the emotional and physical impact on individuals.
  3. What does the surah say about the natural world?
    • The surah points to various aspects of the natural world as signs of God’s meticulous creation and power, intended to inspire reflection and recognition of God’s supremacy.
  4. What lessons can be learned from the contrasting fates of the righteous and the wicked?
    • The contrasting fates serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of one’s choices, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in accordance with divine guidance to attain a favorable outcome in the hereafter.

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