Surah Al-Inshiqaq [84]

Chapter 84 of the Quran is called Surah Al-Inshiqaq. It is a Makkan chapter consisting of 25 verses. Here is a brief explanation of the verses in this chapter:

Verses 1-3:
"When the sky has split open and has listened to its Lord and was obligated [to do so], and when the earth has been extended."

These verses describe a scene of cosmic significance. They metaphorically refer to a time when the sky will be split open, indicating a major event or upheaval. It symbolizes the Day of Judgment when the heavens and the earth will witness the commands of their Lord and be subjected to His authority. The mention of the earth being extended may signify the vastness and grandeur of creation.

Verses 4-5:
"And has cast out that within it and relinquished [it] and listened to its Lord and was obligated [to do so]."

These verses further emphasize the submission of the earth to the commands of Allah. They allude to the earth casting out what is within it, possibly referring to the dead bodies that will be resurrected and brought forth on the Day of Judgment. It signifies the earth's obedience to the divine decree and its role in the unfolding of the events of that day.

Verses 6-7:
"O mankind, indeed you are laboring toward your Lord with [great] exertion and will meet it."

These verses address mankind, reminding them that they are engaged in striving and toiling in their worldly endeavors. It highlights the efforts and struggles individuals go through in their pursuits. The phrase "will meet it" implies that they will ultimately face the consequences and outcome of their actions in the presence of their Lord.

Verses 8-9:
"Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account, and return to his people in happiness."

These verses describe the favorable outcome for those who receive their record of deeds in their right hand on the Day of Judgment. It signifies their righteousness and good actions. They will be judged with a lenient and easy reckoning, and they will be granted entry into Paradise. The mention of returning to their people in happiness implies a state of bliss and joy.

Verses 10-12:
"But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for destruction and [enter to] burn in a Blaze. Indeed, he had [once] been among his people in happiness."

These verses portray the dreadful fate of those who receive their record of deeds behind their back, indicating their evil actions and wrongdoing. They will despair and cry out for destruction, knowing the severe punishment that awaits them in the blazing fire of Hell. The mention of their previous state of happiness among their people serves as a contrast to their current state of misery and torment.

Verses 13-14:
"Indeed, he thought he would never return [to Allah]. But yes! Indeed, his Lord was ever of him, seeing."

These verses describe the mindset of those who had committed evil deeds and thought they would never be held accountable or face the consequences of their actions. However, they are reminded that their Lord was always watching and aware of their deeds. It emphasizes the omniscience and vigilance of Allah.

Overall Themes:
Surah Al-Inshiqaq highlights the themes of accountability, the Day of Judgment, and the consequences of one's actions. It draws attention to the cosmic signs and events that will occur on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the submission of the heavens and the earth to Allah's authority.

The chapter serves as a reminder to mankind of their striving and toiling in this world and the ultimate meeting with their Lord. It highlights the contrasting outcomes for those who are righteous and have their deeds recorded in their right hand, leading to Paradise, and those who are evildoers and face punishment in Hell.

Surah Al-Inshiqaq calls individuals to reflect on their actions, reminding them of the presence and awareness of Allah. It encourages believers to strive for righteousness and accountability in their lives, while warning against the consequences of wrongdoing and disobedience.

Overall, the chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Day of Judgment, the need for accountability, and the ultimate justice and consequences of one's actions.

Verses 15-16:
"But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass?"

These verses refer to a challenging and arduous pass or path that an individual has not been able to break through. The exact nature of this difficult pass is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, leaving it open to interpretation. Some scholars suggest that it may symbolize the obstacles and challenges faced by individuals in their spiritual journey or the barriers to attaining closeness to Allah. Others interpret it as a metaphor for the process of death and passing into the afterlife. The verses emphasize the mystery and difficulty of this passage.

Verses 17-18:
"It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery."

These verses mention four acts of righteousness or good deeds that can potentially aid in breaking through the difficult pass. 

They are:

1. Freeing a slave: This refers to the act of liberating someone from bondage, which was especially significant during the time of the revelation of the Quran when slavery was prevalent.

2. 
   

3. Feeding on a day of severe hunger: This highlights the virtue of providing food to others, particularly during times of scarcity or famine when people are in dire need.

4. 
   

5. Assisting an orphan of near relationship: This emphasizes the importance of caring for and supporting orphaned children, particularly those who are close relatives.

6. 
   

7. Helping a needy person in misery: This underscores the significance of extending assistance to those who are in a state of extreme need or distress.

These acts of kindness and charity are considered virtuous actions that can potentially facilitate a person's journey through the difficult pass.

Verses 19-21:
"Then he became of those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to mercy. Those are the companions of the right."

These verses describe the positive transformation of an individual who takes the righteous path. They become among those who believe in Allah and His guidance. They encourage one another to exercise patience in times of adversity and to show compassion and mercy towards others. These qualities of patience and mercy are highly regarded in Islam and are seen as attributes of the righteous. The mention of "companions of the right" indicates that they will be among the blessed and successful individuals.

Verses 22-25:
"But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. Over them will be fire closed in."

These verses refer to those who reject or disbelieve in the signs and guidance of Allah. They are described as the companions of the left, which signifies their deviation from the righteous path. The consequence for their disbelief and rejection is the punishment of Hellfire, which is depicted as fire closed in upon them. This serves as a warning to those who reject the truth and highlights the consequences of disbelief.

Overall, verses 15-25 of Surah Al-Inshiqaq emphasize the importance of righteous actions and beliefs. They highlight the potential ways to break through the difficult pass and attain closeness to Allah. Acts of charity, patience, and mercy are encouraged, while disbelief and rejection of the signs of Allah lead to severe consequences. The verses serve as a reminder of the moral responsibilities individuals have towards themselves and others and the ultimate accountability for their beliefs and deeds.

Here are additional points about Surah Al-Inshiqaq:

Verses 1-5:
These verses describe a scene of cosmic significance, portraying the sky splitting open and the earth being extended. This imagery symbolizes the immense power and authority of Allah. It signifies that a great event, such as the Day of Judgment, is approaching, and everything in the heavens and the earth will be subjected to the decree of their Lord.

Verses 6-9:
These verses address all of humanity, highlighting their efforts and toil in worldly pursuits. It serves as a reminder that individuals are engaged in continuous striving, working towards their Lord. The phrase "will meet it" indicates that they will ultimately face the consequences of their actions and be accountable for their deeds.

Verses 8-9:
These verses describe the reward for those who receive their record of deeds in their right hand on the Day of Judgment. They will be judged with an easy reckoning, indicating that their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. They will experience joy and happiness as they return to their loved ones in Paradise.

Verses 10-12:
Conversely, these verses depict the punishment of those who receive their record of deeds behind their back, indicating their evil actions and wrongdoing. They will cry out for destruction and face the torment of a blazing fire in Hell. The mention of their previous state of happiness among their people serves to emphasize the severity of their punishment.

Verses 13-14:
These verses highlight the false assumption of those who committed evil deeds, thinking they would never be held accountable. They believed they could escape the consequences of their actions. However, the verses remind them that their Lord was always aware of their deeds and witnessed everything. It emphasizes the omniscience and vigilance of Allah.

Overall Themes:
Surah Al-Inshiqaq revolves around the themes of accountability, the Day of Judgment, and the consequences of one's actions. It emphasizes the cosmic signs and events that will occur on the Day of Judgment, highlighting the submission of the heavens and the earth to the authority of Allah.

The chapter serves as a reminder to humanity that their worldly endeavors and toil have a purpose: to meet their Lord and be accountable for their actions. It emphasizes the contrasting outcomes for the righteous and the evildoers, with Paradise awaiting those who are righteous and punishment awaiting those who commit evil deeds.

Surah Al-Inshiqaq calls individuals to reflect on their actions and deeds, recognizing the presence and awareness of Allah. It encourages believers to strive for righteousness, accountability, and the ultimate meeting with their Lord. It serves as a warning against wrongdoing and disobedience, reminding individuals of the consequences awaiting them.

Overall, the chapter underscores the importance of recognizing the Day of Judgment, striving for righteousness, and understanding the ultimate justice and consequences of one's actions. It encourages believers to lead a life of accountability and mindfulness, knowing that they will ultimately face their Lord.

Here are additional points about verses 15-25 of Surah Al-Inshiqaq:

Verses 15-16:
The difficult pass mentioned in these verses is often interpreted metaphorically, representing the challenges and obstacles individuals face in their spiritual journey or the transition from this life to the afterlife. It signifies a critical juncture that individuals must navigate. The exact nature of this pass is not explicitly stated in the Quran, leaving it open to interpretation, and it remains a subject of contemplation and reflection.

Verses 17-18:
These verses highlight four specific acts of righteousness or good deeds that can potentially assist individuals in successfully navigating the difficult pass. The mentioned actions are considered virtuous and praiseworthy in Islam:

1. Freeing a slave: This act demonstrates compassion, justice, and the recognition of the inherent dignity and freedom of human beings. It encourages the liberation of those who are in bondage.

2. 
   

3. Feeding on a day of severe hunger: This emphasizes the importance of providing sustenance to those who are hungry and in need. It promotes empathy, generosity, and solidarity with others, particularly during times of scarcity or hardship.

4. 
   

5. Assisting an orphan of near relationship: This highlights the responsibility of caring for orphaned children, especially those who are close relatives. It encourages the protection, support, and nurturing of vulnerable members of society.

6. 
   

7. Helping a needy person in misery: This emphasizes the importance of extending assistance to those who are in a state of extreme need or distress. It encourages acts of charity, kindness, and empathy towards those who are suffering.

These acts of righteousness are considered significant in Islam and are seen as means of earning reward and gaining closeness to Allah.

Verses 19-21:
These verses describe the positive transformation of an individual who embraces faith and righteousness. They become among the believers who encourage one another to practice patience in the face of trials and tribulations. Patience, in this context, refers to steadfastness, perseverance, and endurance in the face of challenges. They also advise each other to show mercy, compassion, and kindness towards others. These qualities are seen as attributes of the righteous and are highly valued in Islam. The mention of "companions of the right" indicates that they will be among the blessed and successful individuals on the Day of Judgment.

Verses 22-25:
In contrast to the righteous, these verses depict the fate of those who disbelieve in the signs and guidance of Allah. They are described as the companions of the left, indicating deviation from the path of righteousness. The consequence of their disbelief is the punishment of Hellfire, which is depicted as fire closed in upon them. This serves as a warning to those who reject the truth and highlights the severe consequences of disbelief and rejection of Allah's guidance.

Overall, verses 15-25 of Surah Al-Inshiqaq emphasize the importance of righteous actions, faith, and accountability. They highlight the potential ways to successfully navigate the challenges of life and the hereafter. Acts of charity, patience, and mercy are encouraged, as they contribute to personal growth and the well-being of society. On the other hand, disbelief and rejection of divine guidance lead to severe consequences. These verses serve as a reminder of the moral responsibilities individuals have towards themselves, their fellow human beings, and their Creator. They emphasize the importance of aligning one's beliefs and actions with the principles of righteousness and the ultimate accountability for one's choices and deeds.