Unlock the powerful wisdom of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open), Chapter 84 of the Holy Quran, which reveals breathtaking scenes of the Day of Judgment, human accountability, and eternal rewards for the faithful. A life-changing reminder of hope, justice, and divine mercy.
Surah 84: Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open)
Al-Inshiqaq: Introduction
Surah Al-Inshiqaq, meaning “The Splitting Open”, is the eighty-fourth chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It consists of twenty-five verses that vividly depict the events of the Last Day and the ultimate outcomes for people based on their deeds.
The Surah opens with striking imagery of the sky tearing apart and the earth being stretched and emptied of all that lies within it. Both the heavens and the earth are portrayed as fully submitting to the command of their Lord. It then addresses humanity directly, reminding us that life is a continuous journey of effort and struggle that inevitably leads to meeting Allah. The chapter draws a sharp contrast between those who receive their record of deeds in their right hand — enjoying an easy reckoning and returning to their people with joy — and those who receive it behind their back, who will cry for destruction and be cast into the blazing Fire. The Surah then takes an oath by the sunset, the night, and the full moon to affirm that human life moves through stages toward its final destiny. The chapter closes by pointing out the arrogance of those who refuse to believe and to prostrate when the Quran is recited, promising them a painful punishment, while assuring believers of a reward without end. 0 0 0
Surah 84: Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(1) When the sky is split open,
(2) And obeys its Lord as it must,
(3) And when the earth is stretched out,
(4) And casts out whatever is within it and becomes empty,
(5) And obeys its Lord as it must —
(6) O mankind! You are laboring toward your Lord tirelessly, and will meet Him.
(7) Then as for the one who is given his record in his right hand,
(8) He will be called to an easy reckoning,
(9) And will return to his people in joy.
(10) But as for the one who is given his record behind his back,
(11) He will cry out for destruction,
(12) And will burn in a blazing Fire.
(13) Indeed, he once lived among his people in happiness,
(14) Thinking he would never return.
(15) Yes indeed! His Lord was ever seeing him.
(16) So I swear by the glow of the sunset,
(17) And by the night and what it envelops,
(18) And by the moon when it becomes full,
(19) You will surely move from stage to stage.
(20) So what is the matter with them that they do not believe?
(21) And when the Quran is recited to them, they do not prostrate.
(22) No! Rather, those who disbelieve deny.
(23) And Allah knows best what they conceal.
(24) So give them tidings of a painful punishment,
(25) Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them is an unending reward. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-Inshiqaq is a reminder that the journey of life is not aimless but purposeful, with every moment moving us closer to our meeting with Allah. Its opening verses show that even the vast sky and the earth — creations far greater than ourselves — submit fully to their Creator’s command, leaving no excuse for human rebellion. The division between the two groups — those given their records in the right hand and those given them behind their back — illustrates the eternal difference between a life of faith and righteousness versus a life of arrogance and heedlessness. The oaths by natural phenomena emphasize the certainty of gradual yet inevitable progression toward the Hereafter, just as the phases of the moon change in perfect order. The Surah also calls out the stubbornness of those who, even when confronted with the truth of the Quran, refuse the simplest act of humility — prostration before Allah. In its conclusion, the Surah offers both a stern warning and a hopeful promise: while rejection leads to pain, faith and righteous action guarantee a reward that never ends. 0 0 0
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FAQs on Surah Al-Inshiqaq
Q1. What is Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) about?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) is the 84th chapter of the Holy Quran, consisting of 25 verses, revealed in Makkah. It describes the dramatic events of the Day of Judgment, beginning with the heavens splitting open and the earth disclosing everything hidden inside it. The surah emphasizes that every human being is on a journey that will end in meeting God, where their deeds will be judged. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) highlights two contrasting outcomes: the believers will have an easy reckoning and enjoy eternal bliss, while the disbelievers will face torment and humiliation. Its central message is about accountability, justice, and preparing for the Hereafter.
Q2. Why is Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) called by this name?
The surah is named Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) because of the opening verses, where the sky is described as splitting apart on the Day of Judgment. The Arabic word Inshiqaq means “to split, cleave, or tear apart.” This imagery represents the collapse of the present order of the universe as a sign of the resurrection. By choosing this name, Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) captures the terrifying yet awe-inspiring reality of the final hour, reminding mankind of the seriousness of their ultimate accountability.
Q3. What is the main theme of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open)?
The main theme of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) is the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the accountability of human beings for their actions. The surah emphasizes that life is a continuous journey toward meeting God. Every deed is recorded, and each person will either face ease and joy or humiliation and punishment based on their choices in this world. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) also stresses the truth of revelation, encouraging people to reflect, submit to God, and prepare for their eternal destiny.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) describe the Day of Judgment?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) paints a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment. The heavens will split, and the earth will lay bare everything that was concealed within it, surrendering to its Lord’s command. Every person will then face the outcome of their deeds: those who receive their record in their right hand will experience joy and peace, while those who receive it behind their backs will face misery and punishment. Through these scenes, Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) emphasizes the inevitable arrival of divine justice.
Q5. What does Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) teach about human accountability?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) teaches that every individual is accountable to God. It declares that human beings are constantly moving toward their final meeting with their Creator, where their deeds will be judged without exception. The surah stresses that no act, whether big or small, will be overlooked. Those who live with sincerity and righteousness will be rewarded, while those who reject the truth and act arrogantly will be punished. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) thus reinforces the concept of moral responsibility and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) give hope to the believers?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) gives believers hope by assuring them of an easy reckoning and eternal reward. The surah explains that those who receive their record in their right hand will face no difficulty in their judgment and will return joyfully to their families in Paradise. This promise reassures believers that their faith and good deeds are never wasted. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) encourages Muslims to remain steadfast, reminding them that while life may be full of trials, eternal peace awaits the faithful.
Q7. What warning does Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) give to the disbelievers?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) warns disbelievers that their arrogance and rejection of the truth will lead to severe punishment. Those who receive their records behind their backs will face humiliation, burning torment, and regret. The surah also highlights how disbelievers deny the message even when it is clear, turning away in pride instead of submitting. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) makes it clear that such defiance will only lead to eternal loss, urging people to abandon arrogance and accept God’s guidance.
Q8. How does Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) emphasize the reality of resurrection?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) emphasizes the reality of resurrection through its powerful imagery of the heavens splitting and the earth exposing its hidden contents. These cosmic events symbolize the end of the worldly system and the beginning of divine judgment. The surah explains that every soul is moving toward God and that the resurrection is an undeniable truth. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) uses this imagery to remind humanity that the Hereafter is real and preparation for it is essential.
Q9. What is the literary style of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open)?
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) uses short, rhythmic, and powerful verses typical of Makkan surahs. Its style combines vivid imagery with deep moral lessons, creating a sense of awe and urgency. The description of cosmic events, the certainty of judgment, and the contrast between believers and disbelievers are presented in a dramatic and moving way. The literary style of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) is designed to capture attention, stir reflection, and inspire a sense of responsibility toward God.
Q10. How can Muslims apply the teachings of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) in daily life?
Muslims can apply the teachings of Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) by living with constant awareness of accountability. This means being honest, avoiding arrogance, and striving to perform good deeds with sincerity. Believers should prepare for their ultimate meeting with God by strengthening their faith, worshipping consistently, and maintaining righteousness in personal and social life. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Open) reminds Muslims that this world is temporary, and true success lies in attaining God’s pleasure and eternal peace in the Hereafter.
