Tafseer Surat Al-Qaari’ah

By Muhammad Alshareef

Just like we say, Yawm Al-Qiyaamah (the Day of Resurrection), Al-Qaari’ah is also a
name for this horrific day. Qaari’ah means to strike something with an intense
pounding. For this reason, many translators have chosen to explain this name Al-
Qaari’ah in English as the Striking Day.

The theme of this Surah is only one: the end of the world as we know it. As we read
this Surah, Allah ta’ala gives us a small peek at what horror awaits humanity on this
day. When one sincerely recites this Surah, the question that will repeat itself again
and again shall be: how distracted have we let ourselves become?

Just look out the window and you will see oceans of people letting their life pass them
by in oblivion of the nearing apocalypse. When someone comes to our door and starts
pounding aggressively on it, we most likely will be taken by surprise and jump out of
our seats to get ready. In fact, in Arabic it’s said: Qara’ al-Baab (note the same root
as Qaari’ah), to mean ‘he pounded on the door’. May Allah protect us from being
taken by surprise with no deeds ready for this striking.

In verse three, Allah ta’ala – before giving us a small peak at the horror that awaits –
says: [And what will make you know what the striking hour is?] There is nothing,
absolutely nothing that would make us understand the horror we will taste on this day.
The glance that we are getting in the next verses is simply a warning. Let us take
heed dear brothers and sisters, for the warning has been given.

[It is a Day whereon mankind will be like moths scattered about / And the mountains
will be like carded wool]

Now think about this: If one’s scale is heavy on the Striking day, where would one
end up – heaven or hell? Hmm… a heavy scale? Most people will answer that that
person will be in Hell. It seems that we are programmed to just think about abstaining
from bad deeds, but the message of striving to do good isn’t so pronounced.

Allah ta’ala says: [Then as for him whose balance will be heavy / He will live a
pleasant life (in Paradise)]

Narrated Abu Hurayrah – radi Allaahu ‘anhu – the Prophet, sal Allaahu alayhi wa
sallam, said, “(There are) two words which are dear to Ar-Rahmaan, easy upon the
tongue to pronounce, (which shall weigh) heavy on the scale. They are: Subhaan
Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhaan Allaahi al-Adheem.” - Bukhari

Subhaan Allah: Exalted be Allah over all that is falsely ascribed to him

Wa bihamdihi: and all thanks and praise belongs to Allah.

Subhaan Allah: Exalted be Allah over all that is falsely ascribed to him
Al-Adheem: (Allah) the Greatest.

From today, let us make it a part of our daily habit to frequently say this:
Subhaan Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhaan Allaahi al-Adheem. Allah loves it
and it’s easy to say. And because of it, perhaps on this Striking day our
scales will weigh down – in our favor.