Explore the powerful message of Surah 79: An-Nazi’at (Those Who Pull Out). Learn about the angels of death, the certainty of resurrection, and the lessons of Pharaoh’s downfall. Understand the themes of Surah An-Nazi’at in simple words for spiritual reflection.
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out)
Introduction
Surah An-Naziat, meaning “Those Who Pull Out”, is the 79th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It has 46 verses and focuses strongly on the themes of resurrection, accountability, and the power of Allah’s command.
The surah opens with a series of oaths referring to mighty forces—interpreted by scholars as angels—who carry out Allah’s decrees: extracting souls, guiding the affairs of creation, and executing His will with both force and gentleness. The early verses set a tone of awe and seriousness, immediately reminding the listener of the inevitable Day of Judgment. The surah then confronts the arrogance of disbelievers who question life after death, drawing their attention to the simple fact that Allah, who created the vast heavens and the earth, can surely bring the dead back to life. The story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh is highlighted as a warning, showing how tyranny and pride are swiftly dealt with by divine justice. The chapter ends by contrasting two kinds of people—those who give in to worldly pleasures and those who restrain themselves out of fear of Allah—making clear the eternal consequences of each path. 0 0 0
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. By those (angels of death) who pull out the souls with great force,
2. And by those (Angles of Death for good souls) who gently draw out the souls,
3. And by those who glide along swiftly,
4. And by those who race ahead with speed,
5. And by those who arrange the affairs as commanded.
6. On the Day when the quake shakes violently,
7. Followed by the second blast,
8. Hearts on that Day will tremble,
9. Their eyes will be downcast.
10. They say, “Will we indeed be returned to our former state?
11. Even after we have become decayed bones?”
12. They say, “That then would be a losing return!”
13. But it will be only a single shout,
14. And suddenly they will be awake upon the earth.
15. Has the story of Moses reached you?
16. When his Lord called to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa,
17. “Go to Pharaoh; indeed, he has transgressed greatly.
18. And say, ‘Will you purify yourself?
19. And let me guide you to your Lord so you may fear Him.’”
20. Then he showed him the great sign,
21. But Pharaoh denied and disobeyed.
22. Then he turned away, rushing,
23. And gathered his people and proclaimed,
24 “I am your lord, the most high.”
25. So Allah seized him with punishment in the Hereafter and in the first life.
26. Surely in this is a lesson for whoever fears Allah.
27. Are you more difficult to create, or the heaven that He built?
28. He raised its height and perfected it,
29. And He darkened its night and brought forth its daylight.
30 And after that He spread out the earth,
31. He brought forth from it its water and its pasture,
32. And He anchored the mountains,
33. As provision for you and your cattle.
34. But when the great overwhelming calamity comes,
35. On the Day when man will remember what he strove for,
36 And Hell will be brought forth for all to see —
37. Then as for the one who transgressed,
38. And preferred the life of this world,
39 Then indeed Hell will be his dwelling place.
40. But as for the one who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from desires,
41. Then indeed Paradise will be his dwelling place.
42. They ask you about the Hour — “When will it come?”
43. You are not given to tell its exact time.
44. To your Lord belongs its final knowledge.
45. You are only a warner to whoever fears it.
46. On the Day they see it, it will be as if they had not stayed except for one evening or one morning. 0 0 0
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Comment
This surah strikes with the force of truth, using both vivid imagery and historical example to break the false confidence of those who deny the afterlife. The opening oaths capture the hidden but powerful operations of the unseen world, reminding us that divine control is constant and absolute. The narrative of Pharaoh is not simply a historical recount—it is a mirror for anyone who thinks power and status can shield them from God’s authority. The rhetorical question about the creation of man versus the creation of the heavens challenges human arrogance: if Allah can raise the sky, spread the earth, and regulate the cosmos, reviving decayed bones is a simple matter for Him. The surah also shifts the focus inward, urging self-reflection—will we be among those who are consumed by worldly desires, or among those who guard themselves in preparation for meeting their Lord?
Its final verse captures the fleeting nature of life, compressing the years of human existence into the impression of a single morning or evening, reminding us that the Day of Resurrection will make all worldly illusions fade in an instant. 0 0 0
Frequently Asked Questions on An-Nazi’at
Q1. What is Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) about?
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) is about the angels who take souls at death, the resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the story of Pharaoh as a warning to disbelievers.
Q2. Why is Surah 79 called An-Nazi’at (Those Who Pull Out)?
Surah 79 is called An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) because it begins with an oath by the angels who pull out the souls of the wicked and gently release the souls of the righteous.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out)?
Surah 79: An-Nazi’at (Those Who Pull Out) contains 46 verses, revealed in Makkah, focusing on resurrection, divine justice, and the warning against arrogance.
Q4. What lessons can we learn from Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out)?
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) teaches the certainty of resurrection, the importance of obeying Allah, the downfall of tyrants like Pharaoh, and the eternal difference between Heaven and Hell.
Q5. How does Surah 79: An-Nazi’at (Those Who Pull Out) describe the Hereafter?
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) describes the terrifying events of resurrection, the trembling of hearts, the eternal punishment of the arrogant, and the reward of Paradise for the righteous.
Q6. Where was Surah 79: An-Nazi’at (Those Who Pull Out) revealed?
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) was revealed in Makkah, emphasizing resurrection, accountability, and the power of Allah over life and death.
Q7. Why is Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) important for believers?
Surah 79: An-Naziat (Those Who Pull Out) is important because it strengthens belief in the Hereafter, warns against arrogance, and encourages obedience and humility before Allah.
