In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Qaf.
[These letters (Qaf, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].
By the Glorious Qur’an.
2. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner (Muhammad ) from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: “This is a strange thing!
3. “When we are dead and have become dust (shall we be resurrected?) That is a far return.”
4. We know that which the earth takes of them (their dead bodies), and with Us is a Book preserved (i.e. the Book of Decrees).
5. Nay, but they have denied the truth (this Qur’an) when it has come to them, so they are in a confused state (can not differentiate between right and wrong).
6. Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?
7. And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and have produced therein every kind of lovely growth (plants).
8. An insight and a Reminder for every slave turning to Allah (i.e. the one who believes in Allah and performs deeds of His obedience, and always begs His pardon).
9. And We send down blessed water (rain) from the sky, then We produce therewith gardens and grain (every kind of harvests) that are reaped.
10. And tall date-palms, with ranged clusters;
11. A provision for (Allah’s) slaves. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the resurrection (of the dead).
12. Denied before them (i.e. these pagans of Makkah who denied you, O Muhammad ) the people of Nuh (Noah), and the dwellers of Rass, and the Thamud,
13. And ‘Ad, and Fir’aun (Pharaoh), and the brethren of Lout (Lot),
14. And the dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba’; everyone of them denied (their) Messengers, so My Threat took effect.
15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, They are in confused doubt about a new creation (i.e. Resurrection)?
16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).
17. (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions) .
18. Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).
19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: “This is what you have been avoiding!”
20. And the Trumpet will be blown, that will be the Day whereof warning (had been given) (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).
21. And every person will come forth along with an (angel) to drive (him), and an (angel) to bear witness.
22. (It will be said to the sinners): “Indeed you were heedless of this, now We have removed your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!”
23. And his companion (angel) will say: “Here is (this Record) ready with me!”
24. (And it will be said): “Both of you throw (Order from Allah to the two angels) into Hell, every stubborn disbeliever (in the Oneness of Allah, in His Messengers, etc.).
25. “Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,
26. “Who set up another ilah (god) with Allah, then (both of you) cast him in the severe torment.”
27. His companion (Satan devil)] will say: “Our Lord! I did not push him to transgress, (in disbelief, oppression, and evil deeds) but he was himself in error far astray.”
28. Allah will say: “Dispute not in front of Me, I had already, in advance, sent you the threat.
29. The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust (to the least) to the slaves.”
30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: “Are you filled?” It will say: “Are there any more (to come)?”
31. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) not far off.
32. (It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allah) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allah (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allah Alone, i.e. follow Allah’s Religion, Islamic Monotheism).
33. “Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism),
34. “Enter you therein in peace and security; this is a Day of eternal life!”
35. There they will have all that they desire, and We have more (for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic Ìá ÌáÇáå ).
36. And how many a generation We have destroyed before them, who were stronger in power than them, and (when Our Torment came) they ran for a refuge in the land! Could they find any place of refuge (for them to save themselves from destruction)?
37. Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.
38. And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.
39. So bear with patience (O Muhammad ) all that they say, and glorify the Praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting (i.e. the Fajr, Zuhr, and ‘Asr prayers) .
40. And during a part of the night (also), glorify His praises (i.e. Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers), and (so likewise) after the prayers [As-Sunnah, Nawafil optional and additional prayers, and also glorify, praise and magnify Allah – Subhan Allah, Alhamdu lillah, Allahu-Akbar].
41. And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place,
42. The Day when they will hear As-Saihah (shout, etc.) in truth, that will be the Day of coming out (from the graves i.e. the Day of Resurrection).
43. Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return,
44. On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them, (they will come out) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.
45. We know of best what they say; and you (O Muhammad ) are not a tyrant over them (to force them to Belief). But warn by the Qur’an, him who fears My Threat.
Summary:
Verses 1-3: The Surah begins with the letter “Qaf,” a disjointed letter from the Arabic alphabet, and emphasizes the truth of the Quran. It addresses the disbelief of the Meccan people regarding resurrection and the Day of Judgment. Despite their doubts and denials, the Surah asserts that Allah’s command is inevitable and that those who reject the truth will face consequences.
Verses 4-6: These verses describe how people have forgotten the lessons of previous generations who faced divine punishment for their disbelief. The Surah reflects on the signs of Allah’s existence in creation, such as the mountains and the earth, and the reminders given to humankind. It underscores that the signs of Allah’s power and creation are evident, yet many people remain heedless.
Verses 7-8: The Surah describes how people turned away from the signs of Allah and from the truth despite the clear evidence presented to them. It highlights the consequences of their arrogance and ignorance.
Verses 9-14: These verses recount the stories of previous prophets and their communities, including the people of Noah, the ‘Aad, the Thamud, and the people of Lot. It discusses how these communities rejected their prophets and faced divine punishment. The Surah draws a parallel to the rejection of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the Meccan Quraysh, warning them of a similar fate if they do not repent.
Verses 15-16: The Surah emphasizes that Allah has the power to resurrect the dead and that resurrection is certain. It addresses the disbelief of those who doubt Allah’s ability to bring the dead back to life and highlights that Allah is fully aware of human intentions and actions.
Verses 17-20: These verses depict the scene of the resurrection and the Day of Judgment. It describes how people will be held accountable for their deeds and how the records of their actions will be presented to them. The Surah contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the just recompense of Allah.
Verses 21-22: The Surah warns the disbelievers that they will be confronted with their own wrongdoings and false beliefs. It describes how the disbelievers will regret their actions and the rejection of the truth.
Verses 23-24: These verses provide a vivid depiction of the afterlife, including the conditions of the people in Hell and Paradise. It emphasizes the importance of faith and righteous deeds, and how the rewards and punishments in the afterlife are directly related to one’s actions in this life.
Verses 25-30: The Surah describes the conversation between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the disbelievers, emphasizing that the Prophet is a messenger sent with divine guidance. It also highlights the role of angels in recording human deeds and carrying out divine commands. The Surah concludes with a description of the final judgment, where everyone will be judged fairly and justly.
Verses 31-37: The Surah concludes by emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the creation of the universe, the signs of Allah, and the lessons from previous prophets. It encourages people to contemplate the realities of the afterlife and to live righteously in accordance with divine guidance.
Overall, Surah Qaf focuses on the themes of resurrection, accountability, and divine justice. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate reality of the afterlife, the power of Allah, and the consequences of disbelief and wrongdoing. The Surah draws lessons from previous nations and prophets, urging people to reflect on the signs of Allah and to embrace the truth.
