Sūrah No. 79. Revealed in Makka, 46 verses. Like many of the Makkan Sūrahs, this Sūrah focuses on the theme of resurrection. The name is derived from the first verse of the Sūrah.
Sūrat al-Nazi‘āt
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
The Prophet a said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Nazi’at, his wait and accounting on the Day of Judgement will be the time of one obligatory prayer, then he will enter Heaven.
Note: Of course, this reward will be for those who take heed of its contents and follow them.
General synopsis of contents
1) Oaths that emphasize the certainty of the last day (vv. 1-5)
2) Events of the Day of Judgment (vv. 6-14)
3) A mention of the story of Mūsā (a) and Fir‘awn (vv. 17-26)
4) Signs of the greatness of Allah in nature, which also prove the truth of a life after death (vv. 27-33)
5) Fate of people on the Day of Judgment (vv. 34-41)
6) Timing of the Day of Judgment (vv. 42-46)
Selected Lessons
1) The angels work on earth according to the command given to them by Allah. Their actions and pace change according to who they are dealing with.
2) History has moral lessons for those who want to learn.
3) Denial and doubt in the Hereafter stems from pride and worldliness.
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 79:17-19 – Go to Pharaoh, for indeed he has rebelled, and say, ‘‘Would you purify yourself? I will guide you to your Lord, that you may fear [Him]?
2) 79: 40-41 – As for him who is awed to stand before his Lord and restrains his soul from desires, his abode will be paradise.
3) 79:46 – The day they see it, it shall be as if they had not stayed [in the world] except for an evening or forenoon
Activities for self-study
1) What are the conversations about the Day of Judgment mentioned in this Sūrah, both before the day and during it?
2) How is Fir‘awn’s rejection of the truth described in this Sūrah? What physical and verbal actions are mentioned?
3) What are the similarities between the role of Prophet Mūsā (a) and that of the holy Prophet a as described in this Sūrah?