Sūrah No. 50. Revealed in Makkah, 45 verses.
This Sūrah discusses the concept of resurrection and the hereafter almost exclusively. A few other subjects have been mentioned briefly.
Sūrat Qāf
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
It is reported that the Prophet a would recite this Sūrah in the sermon of the Friday prayer. He recited it on Fridays and days of Eid. These are the days of awakening and revival, of returning to the original fitrah (nature) of the human being. The contents of this Sūrah can bring that type of inner awakening through an understanding of its discussion on death and resurrection. Whoever recites Sūrat Qāf, Allah will make the pangs and difficulties of death easy for him.
Holy Prophet a From Tafsīr Majma‘ al Bayān.
Note: Tafsīr Namūneh says this reward is for one who becomes conscious of death and the need to prepare for it through reading the Sūrah.
General synopsis of contents
1) Denial of resurrection by the disbelievers
2) Proving the truth of belief in life after death through nature and history
3) Recording of deeds of human beings
4) Day of Judgment and the life hereafter
5) Death and the transition to the other world
Selected Lessons
1) The revival of the earth is a sign of God’s power to give life after death. This applies to the death of the human body, as well as death of the heart (v. 11)
2) Everything a person says or does is observed and recorded (vv. 17-18)
3) Human beings will be able to see and comprehend things on the Day of Judgment which they could not see before. The veils will be lifted (v. 22)
4) Admonition is effective on those whose hearts and inner senses are alive (v. 37)
5) Turning to God and glorifying Him enables a person to have patience with people (vv. 39-40)
Important Messages
1) Answer the questions and confusions that people have about beliefs. The verses of this Sūrah address the skepticism of the disbelievers regarding resurrection.
2) The speech of the human being is of paramount importance and has been mentioned distinctly from his deeds.
3) God deals with the people of Hell with justice and with the people in heaven with grace.
4) To achieve spiritual perfection the human being needs repeated and constant worship.
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 50:16 – Certainly We have created man, and We know to what his soul tempts him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.
2) 50:28 – He will say: Do not quarrel in My presence, and indeed I gave you the warning beforehand.
3) 50:45 – We know well what they say, and you are not there to compel them. So admonish by the Quran those who fear My warning.
Activities for self-study
1) Read the passage on the signs in creation – verses 6-11. List all the signs of nature mentioned in these verses. What are the different things these signs remind people of? How can believers be more receptive to the signs around them?
2) How many proofs are given in this Sūrah to answer the skepticism in belief in the resurrection? Identify the proofs given which show the power of God to give life after death.