Discover the powerful message of Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News). Learn about the Day of Resurrection, divine justice, and eternal reward. Explore the meaning, themes, and lessons of Surah An-Naba in clear and simple language for deeper spiritual reflection.
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News)
An-Naba: Introduction
Surah An-Naba, meaning “The Great News”, is the seventy-eighth chapter of the Holy Quran and was revealed in Makkah. The Surah opens with a question that captures the curiosity of the listener: “What are they asking one another about?” It refers to the “great news” — the news of resurrection and the Day of Judgment — over which the disbelievers of Makkah disputed. The chapter begins by pointing to the signs of Allah’s creative power in the natural world — the earth, mountains, night and day, the heavens, the sun, and the rain that brings life. These reminders prepare the listener for the central message: the Day of Decision is inevitable. The Surah paints vivid imagery of that Day — the heavens opening like gates, mountains vanishing into mirages, Hell lying in wait for the wrongdoers, and Paradise prepared for the righteous. The contrast between the fates of the two groups is sharp: eternal punishment for those who rejected the truth and everlasting joy for those who lived righteously. The chapter closes with a chilling scene of the Day when every soul will see its deeds and the disbeliever will wish to be reduced to dust. 0 0 0
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. What are they asking one another about?
2. About the great news,
3. Over which they disagree.
4. No! They will soon come to know,
5. Again, no! They will soon come to know.
6. Have We not made the earth a resting place,
7. And the mountains as pegs?
8. And We created you in pairs,
9. And made your sleep for rest,
10. And made the night as a covering,
11. And made the day for livelihood,
12. And built above you seven strong [heavens],
13. And placed therein a blazing lamp,
14. And sent down from the clouds pouring water,
15. That We may bring forth by it grain and plants,
16. And gardens of thick growth.
17. Surely, the Day of Decision is an appointed time,
18. The Day the Trumpet will be blown, and you will come forth in crowds,
19. And the heaven will be opened, becoming as gates,
20. And the mountains will be set in motion, becoming a mirage.
21. Surely, Hell is lying in wait,
22. A place of return for the transgressors,
23. Where they will remain for ages,
24. They will not taste therein any coolness nor drink,
25. Except scalding water and intensely cold fluid,
26. A fitting recompense.
27. Indeed, they were not expecting any reckoning,
28. And they denied Our signs completely,
29. But everything We have recorded in a book.
30. “So taste! We will not increase you except in punishment.”
31. Surely, for the righteous is success,
32. Gardens and vineyards,
33. And full-breasted maidens of equal age,
34. And a cup full to the brim.
35. They will hear therein neither idle talk nor lying,
36. A reward from your Lord, a gift [amply] sufficient,
37. From the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and whatever is between them — the Most Merciful — they have no power to address Him.
38. On the Day when the Spirit and the angels stand in rows, none will speak except the one to whom the Most Merciful gives permission, and he speaks what is right.
39. That is the true Day. So whoever wills, let him take a way to his Lord.
40. Indeed, We have warned you of a punishment near, the Day when a person will see what his hands have sent forth, and the disbeliever will say, “Oh, would that I were dust!” 0 0 0
Comment
Surah An-Naba is striking for its rhythm and its structure, alternating between short, powerful statements and expansive scenes. Its opening question draws the listener into the core debate of the Quraysh — they mocked the idea of resurrection, thinking life would end in nothingness. Allah responds by pointing to His creation as undeniable proof of His ability to recreate life. The Surah moves from the peaceful, familiar imagery of earthly blessings to the awe-inspiring and terrifying events of the Last Day, shifting the tone dramatically. The punishment of the wrongdoers is described with a chilling sense of permanence — no relief, only extremes of heat and cold — while the rewards of the righteous are portrayed with richness, beauty, and peace. The mention of “the Spirit” (understood as the angel Jibreel or a great created spirit) alongside the angels on that Day reinforces the magnitude of the event. The final verse leaves a lasting echo — the regret of the disbeliever, who will wish to become dust rather than face judgment. This Surah is a call to prepare for a reality that is certain and near, urging the listener to take a path leading to Allah before the Day arrives. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 78: An-Naba
Q1. What is Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) about?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) is about the Day of Resurrection, where people will be judged for their deeds, and it highlights the greatness of Allah’s creation and divine justice.
Q2. Why is Surah 78 called An-Naba (The Great News)?
Surah 78 is called An-Naba (The Great News) because it refers to the greatest news of all, the Resurrection and the Hereafter, which mankind disputes and will ultimately witness.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News)?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) contains 40 verses revealed in Makkah, focusing on life after death and the certainty of the Day of Judgment.
Q4. What lessons can we learn from Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News)?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) teaches us about the reality of resurrection, accountability for deeds, and the eternal contrast between the bliss of Paradise and the punishment of Hellfire.
Q5. How does Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) describe the Hereafter?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) vividly describes the Hereafter with scenes of resurrection, divine judgment, the blazing Hellfire for the wicked, and eternal gardens for the righteous.
Q6. Where was Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) revealed?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) was revealed in Makkah and belongs to the Makki Surahs, emphasizing the core beliefs of resurrection, divine power, and accountability.
Q7. Why is Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) important for believers?
Surah 78: An-Naba (The Great News) is important because it reminds believers of life after death, motivates them to do righteous deeds, and strengthens faith in the ultimate justice of Allah.
