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An-Naziā€™at | Those Who Drag Forth

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

[79:1] I swear by those (angels) who pull out (the souls of the infidels) with extreme force,

[79:2] and by those (angels) who untie the knot (of the souls of the believers) smoothly,

[79:3] and by those who float (in the atmosphere) swiftly,

[79:4] then proceed forward quickly,

[79:5] then manage (to do) everything (they are ordered to do,)

[79:6] (you will be resurrected) on the Day when the shocking event (i.e. the first blowing of the trumpet) will shock (everything),

[79:7] followed by the next one (i.e. the second blowing of the trumpet.)

[79:8] On that day, the hearts (of people) will be throbbing,

[79:9] with their eyes downcast.

[79:10] They (the infidels) say, ‘Are we going to be brought back to our former state (of Life)?

[79:11] Is it when we are turned into decayed bones?’.

[79:12] They say, ‘If so, that will be a harmful homecoming’.

[79:13] In fact, it will be only a single harsh voice,

[79:14] and in no time they will be (brought) into the plain (of Hashr).

[79:15] Has there come to you the narrative about Musa?

[79:16] (Recall) when his Lord called to him in the blessed valley of Tuwa:

[79:17] ‘Go to Firaun (Pharaoh). Indeed, he has crossed all bounds.

[79:18] And say (to him,) Would you like to purify yourself,

[79:19] and that I should guide you to your Lord, so that you fear (Him)?’

[79:20] So, he (Musa) showed him the biggest sign.

[79:21] But he rejected and disobeyed,

[79:22] then he turned back, and tried hard (to refute the Messenger),

[79:23] then he gathered (his people) and shouted

[79:24] and said, ‘I am your supreme lord’.

[79:25] So, Allah seized him for an exemplary punishment in the Hereafter and the present world.

[79:26] Indeed, there is a lesson for him who fears (Allah).

[79:27] Is your creation more difficult or that of the sky? He has built it,

[79:28] He has raised its height, then made it proper,

[79:29] and darkened its night, and brought forth its daylight,

[79:30] and, after that, He spread out the earth.

[79:31] From it, He brought out its water and its meadows,

[79:32] and firmly fixed the mountains,

[79:33] (all this) as a benefit to you and your cattle.

[79:34] So when the Greatest Havoc will take place

[79:35] on the day when man will recall what he did,

[79:36] and the Hell will be exposed for all who see,

[79:37] then for the one who had rebelled,

[79:38] and preferred the worldly life (to the Hereafter),

[79:39] the Hell will be the abode,

[79:40] whereas for the one who feared to stand before his Lord, and restrained his self from the (evil) desire,

[79:41] the Paradise will be the abode.

[79:42] They ask you (O Prophet,) about the Hour (the Day of Judgment) as to when it will take place.

[79:43] In which capacity are you to tell this?

[79:44] With your Lord is the final word about it.

[79:45] You are only a warner for anyone who fears it.

[79:46] The day they will see it, it will seem to them as if they did not live (in the world) but only for one afternoon or for the morning thereof.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah An-Nazi’at

  1. Title and Position: Surah An-Nazi’at is the 79th chapter of the Quran. The title “An-Nazi’at” translates to “Those Who Pull Out,” referencing the angels pulling out the souls of the deceased, as mentioned at the beginning of the surah.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 46 verses. It is recognized for its themes concerning the resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and historical references to Prophet Moses and Pharaoh as lessons for humankind.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the reality of the resurrection, the accountability of individuals on the Day of Judgment, the story of Moses and Pharaoh to illustrate the consequences of belief and disbelief, and the power and knowledge of God in creation and judgment.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah An-Nazi’at is significant for its vivid portrayal of the afterlife, its emphasis on moral accountability, and its historical illustrations of divine justice and guidance.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Angels and the Resurrection: The surah begins by describing angels who extract the souls of the deceased, a reference to the process of death and the subsequent resurrection, highlighting the inevitability of the afterlife.
  2. Day of Judgment: It emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be accountable for their actions, and their fates will be determined by their earthly conduct.
  3. Story of Moses and Pharaoh: The surah recounts the narrative of Moses and Pharaoh, focusing on Moses’s mission, Pharaoh’s arrogance and denial, and the ultimate fate that befell Pharaoh for his disbelief and tyranny.
  4. Divine Power and Knowledge: The surah also reflects on the wonders of creation, from the heavens to the earth, as manifestations of God’s power and knowledge, urging people to recognize and submit to divine authority.
  5. Call to Reflection: Surah An-Nazi’at concludes by challenging humanity to reflect on their existence, the universe, and the forthcoming resurrection, encouraging a consciousness of God’s omnipresence and omniscience.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah An-Nazi’at named “Those Who Pull Out”?
    • The surah is named “An-Nazi’at” due to its opening verses that depict angels pulling out souls, symbolizing the transition from this world to the hereafter and emphasizing the reality of death and resurrection.
  2. What is the significance of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in this surah?
    • The story illustrates the themes of prophetic mission, divine justice, and the consequences of belief and disbelief, serving as a warning and lesson to those who deny the truth and perpetrate injustice.
  3. How does Surah An-Nazi’at describe the Day of Judgment?
    • It portrays the Day of Judgment as a definitive event where all will be judged by their deeds, emphasizing the seriousness of that day and the profound impact of one’s earthly choices.
  4. What does the surah suggest about reflecting on the universe and creation?
    • The surah encourages reflection on the natural world and the universe as signs of God’s majesty and wisdom, prompting individuals to recognize God’s power, seek understanding, and live righteously.

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