Az-Zalzalah — The Earthquake
Surah Az-Zalzalah is chapter 99 of the Noble Quran, revealed in Madani containing 8 verses.
إِذَا زُلۡزِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زِلۡزَالَهَا
Itha zulzilati alardu zilzalaha
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
وَأَخۡرَجَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَثۡقَالَهَا
Waakhrajati alardu athqalaha
And the earth discharges its burdens
وَقَالَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ مَا لَهَا
Waqala alinsanu ma laha
And man says, "What is [wrong] with it
يَوۡمَئِذٖ تُحَدِّثُ أَخۡبَارَهَا
Yawmaithin tuhaddithu akhbaraha
That Day, it will report its news
بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوۡحَىٰ لَهَا
Bianna rabbaka awha laha
Because your Lord has commanded it
يَوۡمَئِذٖ يَصۡدُرُ ٱلنَّاسُ أَشۡتَاتٗا لِّيُرَوۡاْ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ
Yawmaithin yasduru alnnasu ashtatan liyuraw aAAmalahum
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds
فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيۡرٗا يَرَهُۥ
Faman yaAAmal mithqala tharratin khayran yarahu
So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it
وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖ شَرّٗا يَرَهُۥ
Waman yaAAmal mithqala tharratin sharran yarahu
And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it
Overview
Surah Az-Zalzalah (The Earthquake) consists of 8 verses. It covers foundational aspects of Islamic belief, moral rectitude, spiritual reflection, and obedience to Allah. Scholars emphasize its continuous recitation for spiritual growth, guidance, and divine protection.
Historical Background
Revealed in Madani during a crucial phase of Prophethood, Surah Az-Zalzalah addressed specific circumstances facing the early Muslim community, offering solace, timeless wisdom, and divine instruction.
Main Themes
- Affirmation of Tawheed and divine wisdom
- Reflections on creation, life, and the Hereafter
- Lessons from past righteous servants and prophets
- Ethical conduct and devotion in daily life
Benefits of Recitation
- Brings tranquility, blessings, and divine protection
- Increases comprehension of Quranic wisdom
- Source of light and guidance on the Straight Path
Virtues
- Reciting Surah Az-Zalzalah earns 10 rewards for every single letter read according to authentic Hadith.
- Regular recitation strengthens faith and protects against spiritual heedlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Surah Az-Zalzalah?
Surah Az-Zalzalah emphasizes monotheism, righteous living, accountability before Allah, and seeking divine guidance.
Where was Surah Az-Zalzalah revealed?
It was revealed in Madani and contains 8 verses.
Authentic References
Sahih al-Bukhari · Sahih Muslim · Tafsir Ibn Kathir