Meaning of Quran

Al-Infitar | The Cleaving

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

[82:1] When the sky will be cleft asunder,

[82:2] and when the stars will disperse,

[82:3] and when the seas will be burst forth,

[82:4] and when the graves will be overturned,

[82:5] then one will know what he sent ahead and what he left behind.

[82:6] O man! What has deceived you about your Gracious Lord,

[82:7] who created you, then perfected you, then brought you in due proportion?

[82:8] He composed you in whichever form He willed.

[82:9] Never! (i.e. one should never be heedless towards him.) But you deny the Requital,

[82:10] while (appointed) over you there are watchers,

[82:11] who are noble, writers (of the deeds),

[82:12] who know whatever you do.

[82:13] Surely the righteous will be in bliss,

[82:14] and the sinners in Hell,

[82:15] in which they will enter on the Day of Requital,

[82:16] and they will not (be able to) keep away from it.

[82:17] And what may let you know what the Day of Requital is?

[82:18] Again, what may let you know what the Day of Requital is?

[82:19] A Day when no one will have power to do anything for another! And command, on that Day, will belong to Allah (alone).

Tafsir

Overview of Surah Al-Infitar

  1. Title and Position: Surah Al-Infitar is the 82nd chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Infitar” translates to “The Cleaving” or “The Splitting Open,” referring to the cosmic events described in the surah that will occur at the end of the world.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 19 verses. It is known for its depiction of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the dramatic changes in the universe and the individual accountability of human beings.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the cataclysmic transformation of the heavens, the inevitability of resurrection and judgment, the scrutiny of human actions, and the consequences of one’s choices in the hereafter.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Infitar is significant for its vivid portrayal of the end times, its reminder of human responsibility, and its call to consciousness of God’s omnipresence and omniscience.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Cosmic Upheaval: The surah begins with a powerful description of the end times, including the sky being split open, the stars scattering, and the oceans erupting, illustrating the profound upheaval that will mark the Day of Judgment.
  2. Human Accountability: It emphasizes that every individual will be held accountable for their deeds, with their actions being recorded by angels. This accountability underscores the concept of divine justice and the meticulousness of the judgment process.
  3. Resurrection and Judgment: The surah asserts the reality of resurrection, where individuals will be presented with their records of deeds and will face the consequences of their earthly actions.
  4. Warning and Reminder: Surah Al-Infitar serves as a warning to those who are heedless of the afterlife, indulging in wrongdoing and denying the resurrection, urging them to reconsider their actions and beliefs.
  5. Divine Oversight: The surah concludes by reminding humans of God’s complete knowledge and oversight of all actions, whether concealed or revealed, encouraging mindfulness of one’s conduct in light of divine observation.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah Al-Infitar named “The Cleaving”?
    • The surah is named “Al-Infitar” due to its depiction of the splitting open or cleaving of the sky and other cosmic events that signify the commencement of the Day of Judgment.
  2. How does Surah Al-Infitar describe the Day of Judgment?
    • It describes the Day of Judgment as a time of extraordinary cosmic disruption and transformation, emphasizing the serious and consequential nature of this day for every individual.
  3. What does the surah convey about individual accountability?
    • The surah highlights that every person will be held accountable for their deeds, with their actions meticulously recorded, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and ethical conduct.
  4. What message does the surah impart regarding divine knowledge?
    • It reminds humans of God’s comprehensive knowledge of all actions and intentions, encouraging a constant awareness of God’s presence and the significance of living a life aligned with divine guidance.

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