Download MP3 PDF of Surah Az-Zalzalah English Translation
Surah Az-Zalzalah, the 99th chapter of the Holy Quran, is a brief yet impactful surah consisting of eight verses. Revealed in Medina, this surah graphically describes the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the earth’s violent convulsions and the subsequent accountability of human actions. The term “Az-Zalzalah” translates to “The Earthquake,” highlighting the catastrophic events that will unfold on the Day of Resurrection. This surah serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of the afterlife and the importance of righteous deeds.
The Structure and Meaning of Surah Az-Zalzalah
The verses of Surah Az-Zalzalah are as follows:
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
And the earth discharges its burdens
And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” –
That Day, it will report its news
Because your Lord has commanded it.
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds.
So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.
Analysis and Reflection
Surah Az-Zalzalah begins with a vivid depiction of the earth’s final earthquake, transitioning to the consequences and the ultimate accountability of human actions on the Day of Judgment.
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake: This verse describes the earth’s violent shaking on the Day of Judgment, indicating the end of the world as we know it.
And the earth discharges its burdens: The earth will release everything within it, including the dead, who will be resurrected for judgment.
And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” -: People will be in a state of shock and confusion, questioning what is happening to the earth.
That Day, it will report its news: The earth will testify to all that has occurred upon it, revealing the deeds of humanity.
Because your Lord has commanded it: The earth’s testimony will be in obedience to Allah’s command, highlighting divine authority over all creation.
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds: On the Day of Judgment, people will be divided based on their deeds and shown the outcomes of their actions.
So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it: Every small act of goodness will be acknowledged and rewarded.
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it: Similarly, every small act of evil will be accounted for and judged.
The Significance of Surah Az-Zalzalah
Surah Az-Zalzalah serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the earth’s role in testifying to human deeds and the certainty of divine justice. It underscores the importance of every action, no matter how small, and the inevitability of accountability.
The surah’s message is particularly significant in encouraging self-reflection and mindfulness of one’s actions. It calls on believers to live with the awareness that every deed, whether good or evil, will be recorded and judged. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages a life of righteousness and piety.
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Conclusion
Surah Az-Zalzalah delivers a profound message about the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the meticulous accounting of human deeds. It highlights the earth’s testimony and the ultimate separation of people based on their actions. By reflecting on Surah Az-Zalzalah, Muslims are reminded of the importance of righteous deeds, the reality of divine justice, and the need to prepare for the afterlife.