Surah 56: Al-Waqiah (The Inevitable Event)

Explore Surah 56: Al-Waqi’ah (The Inevitable Event) with clear English translation and insightful comments. Understand its vivid descriptions of the afterlife, the division of people into groups, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment.

Surah 56: Al-Waqiah (The Inevitable Event)

Introduction

Surah Al-Waqiah is the 56th chapter of the Qur’an. It has 96 verses and was revealed in Makkah. The name ‘Al-Waqi’ah’ means ‘The Inevitable’, referring to the Day of Judgment that will surely come to pass. This Surah describes the scenes of the Hereafter and divides people into three groups — the People of the Right (those who will receive their record in the right hand), the People of the Left (those who will receive their record in the left hand), and the Foremost in Faith (those who are nearest to Allah). The Surah paints vivid pictures of the joys of Paradise and the horrors of Hell. It also reminds humans to reflect on the signs of Allah in creation — in their own bodies, in plants, water, and fire — as evidence of His power. It closes with a strong call to glorify the Lord.

Surah 56:  Al-Waqiah (The Inevitable Event): Text

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

(1) When the Inevitable Event happens –

(2) No one can deny its coming –

(3) It will bring some down and raise others up –

(4) When the earth is shaken violently –

(5) And the mountains are crushed to powder –

(6) Becoming scattered dust –

(7) You will be divided into three groups –

(8) The People of the Right – how blessed they will be –

(9) The People of the Left – how miserable they will be –

(10) And the Foremost in faith will be the foremost in reward –

(11) They will be the ones brought closest to Allah –

(12) In gardens of bliss –

(13) Many from the early generations –

(14) And a few from the later generations –

(15) Sitting on decorated thrones –

(16) Reclining on them, facing each other –

(17) They will be served by eternal youths –

(18) With cups, jugs, and glasses filled from a flowing drink –

(19) It will cause no headache and no intoxication –

(20) And they will have fruits of their choice –

(21) And meat of whatever birds they desire –

(22) And companions with beautiful, large eyes –

(23) Like hidden pearls –

(24) As a reward for what they used to do –

(25) They will hear no idle talk or sinful speech –

(26) Only greetings of peace, peace –

(27) The People of the Right – how blessed they will be –

(28) Among thornless lote-trees –

(29) And clustered bananas –

(30) And extended shade –

(31) And flowing water –

(32) And abundant fruit –

(33) Never cut off and never out of reach –

(34) And elevated couches –

(35) We have created their companions in a special way –

(36) And made them virgins –

(37) Loving and of equal age –

(38) For the People of the Right –

(39) Many from the early generations –

(40) And many from the later generations –

(41) The People of the Left – how miserable they will be –

(42) In scorching wind and boiling water –

(43) And under the shade of black smoke –

(44) Neither cool nor pleasant –

(45) They were spoiled by luxury before –

(46) And persisted in terrible sins –

(47) And used to say, “When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be raised up again?” –

(48) “And our forefathers too?” –

(49) Say, “Indeed, the former and the later –”

(50) “Will surely be gathered for the appointed time on a known Day.” –

(51) Then you, the misguided deniers –

(52) Will eat from the tree of Zaqqum –

(53) Filling your bellies with it –

(54) And drink boiling water on top of it –

(55) Drinking like thirsty camels –

(56) This will be their welcome on the Day of Judgment –

(57) We created you – why then do you not believe? –

(58) Have you considered what you emit (the semen)? –

(59) Is it you who create it, or are We the Creator? –

(60) We have decreed death for you all, and We are not to be prevented –

(61) From replacing you with others like you, and bringing you into a form you do not know –

(62) You already know your first creation – why then do you not remember? –

(63) Have you considered what you plant? –

(64) Is it you who make it grow, or are We the Grower? –

(65) If We willed, We could turn it into dry debris, and you would be left in shock –

(66) Saying, “We are in debt –”

(67) “No, rather we are deprived.” –

(68) Have you considered the water you drink? –

(69) Is it you who send it down from the clouds, or are We the Sender? –

(70) If We willed, We could make it salty – why then are you not grateful? –

(71) Have you considered the fire you kindle? –

(72) Is it you who produce its tree, or are We the Producer? –

(73) We made it a reminder and a benefit for travelers –

(74) So glorify the name of your Great Lord –

(75) I swear by the fallings of the stars –

(76) And indeed, it is a mighty oath, if only you knew –

(77) That this is truly a noble Qur’an –

(78) In a well-protected Record –

(79) None can touch it except the purified –

(80) A revelation from the Lord of all worlds –

(81) Is this the statement you take lightly? –

(82) And make your denial of it your portion –

(83) Then why, when the soul reaches the throat –

(84) While you are watching –

(85) And We are closer to him than you, but you do not see –

(86) Then why, if you are not to be held to account –

(87) Do you not return it (the soul) if you are truthful? –

(88) Then if he is one of those brought near –

(89) There will be rest, fragrance, and a garden of bliss –

(90) And if he is one of the People of the Right –

(91) Then ‘Peace be upon you’ from the People of the Right –

(92) But if he is one of the deniers, the misguided –

(93) Then a welcome of boiling water –

(94) And burning in the blazing Fire –

(95) Indeed, this is the absolute truth –

(96) So glorify the name of your Great Lord. 0 0 0

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Comment

Surah Al-Waqi’ah powerfully reminds us that the Day of Judgment is a certain reality, not a matter of doubt. It teaches that every human being will be placed in one of three groups, depending on their faith and deeds. The descriptions of Paradise and Hell in this Surah are so clear that they stir the heart to seek Allah’s pleasure and fear His punishment. The verses about creation — human birth, plants, water, and fire — show how helpless humans are without Allah’s mercy. This Surah also highlights that the Qur’an is a noble and protected message, only to be touched by the pure. By ending with the command to glorify Allah, it calls believers to constant remembrance and worship of their Lord. 0 0 0

Frequently Asked Questions  on Al-Waqiah

Q: What is Surah Al-Waqiah about?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah is about the Day of Judgment, describing the inevitable event when people will be divided into groups based on their deeds.

Q: Why is Surah Al-Waqiah called “The Inevitable Event”?
A: It is called “The Inevitable Event” because it emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment that no one can escape.

Q: How many verses are in Surah Al-Waqiah?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah contains 96 verses revealed in Makkah.

Q: What are the main themes of Surah Al-Waqiah?
A: The main themes include the resurrection, division of people into groups (the foremost, the people of the right, and the people of the left), and the reality of Paradise and Hell.

Q: What are the benefits of reciting Surah Al-Waqiah?
A: Many narrations mention that reciting Surah Al-Waqiah regularly brings blessings, protection from poverty, and a reminder of the afterlife.

Q: When was Surah Al-Waqiah revealed?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah was revealed in Makkah, during the early period of Islam, focusing on faith in the Hereafter.

Q: How does Surah Al-Waqiah describe Paradise?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah describes Paradise as a place of eternal comfort, fruits, shade, companionship, and blessings for the righteous.

Q: How does Surah Al-Waqiah describe Hell?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah vividly describes Hell as a place of scorching fire, boiling water, and intense punishment for the deniers.

Q: Why is Surah Al-Waqiah often recited for sustenance?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah is often recited for sustenance because of narrations that link it with abundance and protection against poverty.

Q: How can Surah Al-Waqiah inspire believers today?
A: Surah Al-Waqiah inspires believers by reminding them of the certainty of the Hereafter, encouraging good deeds, and detachment from worldly illusions. 0 0 0