Surah Al-Qari'a

Name

The Surah takes its name from its first word al- qari`ah. This is notonly a name but also the title of its subject matter, for the Surah isdevoted to Resurrection.

Period of Revelation

There is no dispute about its being a Makki Surah. Its contents showthat this too is one of the earliest Surahs to be revealed at Makkah.

Theme and Subject Matter

Its theme is Resurrection and the Hereafter. At the outset, the peoplehave been aroused and alarmed, saying: "The Great Disaster!What is theGreat Disaster? And what do you know what the Great Disaster is?"Thus,after preparing the listeners for the news of the dreadful calamity,Resurrection has been depicted before them in two sentences, sayingthat on that Day people will be running about in confusion andbewilderment just like so many scattered moths around a light, and themountains uprooted, will their cohesion and will fly about like cardedwool. Then, it has been said that when Allah's Court is established inthe Hereafter and the people are called upon to account for theirdeeds. The people whose good deeds are found to be heavier than theirevil deeds, will be blessed with bliss and happiness, and the peoplewhose good deeds are found to be lighter than their evil deeds, willbe cast into the deep pit full of burning fire.