SURAH AL–ADIYAT Chapter–100

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of surahs of the Quran, in an effort to understand these surahs in an easy way. Today's effort is on SURAH AL-ADIYAT - Chapter - 100, hope going through it will be a learning journey for all of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

Introduction:

Al-Adiyat (The Chargers, The Assaulters) or The War Horses which run swiftly is the 100th chapter of the Qur'an, with 11 ayats or verses, 168 letters and 40 words, and is Juzz 30. Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation, it is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, rather than later in Medina. Surah Al Adiyat is one of the Quranic surahs that talks about the sky sent by rain and the earth flooded with plants and animals, and uses these natural phenomena as a sign of our faith in Allah and His great power, and Surah Al Adiyat carries a strong message about God’s ability to create and revive, and invites us to reflect on His greatness – Almighty – and thank Him for His great blessings.

 Surah Adiyat is a short but powerful chapter that addresses themes of human ingratitude, materialism, and the Day of Judgment. It vividly portrays a scene of warhorses charging into battle, symbolizing the power, strength, and fervor of those who engage in combat. The surah emphasizes the role of such horses and their riders in the pursuit of worldly gain, highlighting the human tendency to become preoccupied with material possessions and neglectful of their spiritual responsibilities.

Reasons for the Revelation of Surah Al-Adiyat:

the reason behind its revelation is that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had sent a secret mission to a tribe called Kinanah. The companion Al-Mundhir ibn ‘Amr Al-Ansari was appointed as the leader of the mission. However, their return was delayed, and the hypocrites spread rumors that they had been killed. Allah revealed this surah to inform Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about the mission’s success and the well-being of its members.

Another tradition says that this Surah was revealed after the occurrence of the war/ that-us-salasil/. the description is as follows:

In the eighth year A.H. the Prophet (S) of Islam was informed that twelve thousand strong had gathered in Yabis to make a sudden and very heavy attack on Medina to kill the Muslims, the holy Prophet and Ali (as) as well. Upon receiving the news of this gathering of hostile forces. The holy Prophet (S) sent a group of the Muslim followers to them under the command of some of his companions, but they returned without gaining any positive result. Finally, he sent Hazrat Ali (as) with a great number of the emigrants (Muhajirs), and the helpers, under his command, to meet them.

They marched by night and kept themselves concealed by day and thus, they reached the enemy. Surrounding the enemy's forces, Hazrat Ali (as) offered them (to follow the religion of) Islam at first, but they did not accept it.Then, the Muslims attacked them in the early hours of dawn when it was still dark and won an easy victory. Most of the enemy's men were killed, and those who remained, Ali (as) put them in chains and took them, with their collective properties, to the holy Prophet (S) in Medina.

Before the Muslim forces reached Medina, this Surah was revealed. The holy Prophet (S) came out early that very morning and recited this Surah in prayer. After finishing the prayer some Muslim followers told him that they had not heard that Surah before. Then, he agreed and added that Ali (as) defeated the enemies, and Gabriel, bringing that Surah, had informed him of it the previous night.

A few days later Hazrat Ali (as) entered Medina with the 'spoils of war' and captives. Some believe that this is one of the clear examples of the verse and it is not an occasion of revelation.

Meanings of Surah Al-Adiyat

Surah Al Adiyat addresses several important themes, including:

Ø  Emphasizing the greatness of Allah and His sovereignty, as well as His watchfulness over people.

Ø  Describing human characteristics, particularly the qualities of stinginess and injustice.

Ø  Warning about the horrors of the Day of Judgment and Allah’s retribution for people’s actions.

1- Emphasizing the Greatness of Allah: The surah begins by swearing an oath by “Al-Adiyat,” which refers to the swift horses that run and pant, indicating the swiftness of Allah’s accountability and the inevitability of punishment. The surah also mentions the Day of Resurrection, revealing the horrors of that day and Allah’s retribution for people’s actions. All of this signifies the greatness of Allah, His sovereignty, and His watchfulness over people.

2- Describing Human Characteristics: Surah Al Adiyat highlights certain human characteristics, including stinginess and injustice. In verse 6, Allah says, “Indeed, mankind, to his Lord, is ungrateful,” meaning that humans are unjust and accumulate wealth without spending it. This description applies to many people who are eager to accumulate wealth but are stingy towards themselves and others in need.

3- Warning about the Horrors of the Day of Judgment: Surah Al Adiyat discusses the horrors of the Day of Judgment and Allah’s retribution for people’s actions. In verse 9, Allah says, “Does man not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered,” indicating that people should realize that Allah will expose everything on the Day of Judgment and will reward individuals according to their deeds.

Lessons of Sural Al Adiyat:

·         We need to show gratitude to Allah’s favours upon us; how He has made the world and other creations subjugated to man.

·         It doesn’t take much to realise how ungrateful humans are through their actions.

·         Humans are naturally inclined towards wealth. It’s how we acquire it and use it that matters.

·         On the Day of Judgement, the dead will arise from their graves, and the secrets of mankind will be exposed.

Theme of Surah Al Adiyat:

The object of this Surah is to make people realize how evil man becomes when he denies the Hereafter, or becomes heedless of it, and also to warn them that in the Hereafter not only their visible and apparent deeds, but even the secrets hidden in their hearts too will be subjected to scrutiny. For this purpose, the general chaos and confusion prevailing in Arabia: bloodshed, looting and plundering on every side; tribes subjecting other tribes to raids, no one could have peaceful sleep at night out of fear that some enemy tribe might raid his settlement early in the morning, is pointed out. Every Arab was fully conscious of this state of affairs and realized that it was wrong. Although the plundered bemoaned his miserable, helpless state and the plunderer rejoiced when the plunderer himself was plundered, he too realized how abject was the condition in which the whole nation was involved. Referring to this very state of affairs, it is said: all this is happening because the people do not know their life after death and their accountability before Allah.

Then an example of stallions (horses used in war) is given to reflect on human attitude towards Allah. Stallions to whom man provide food and water are so grateful to him that they jump into the valley of death on his command while man is ungrateful to Allah even though He has given him life, all faculties, food and other provisions. This example shows that an ungrateful person is worse than an animal. Such a person is so blinded by the love of worldly wealth that he tries to obtain it by every means, however impure and filthy it may be. He would never have behaved so had he known the time when the dead would be raised from their graves and when the intentions and motives with which they had done all sorts of deeds in the world would be exposed and brought out before everyone to see by their Lord and Sustainer (Allah) Who knows what man has done and what punishment or reward man should be awarded.

Benefits of reading Surah Al-Adiyat:

The themes presented in Surah Al-Adiyat can serve as a point of meditation, contributing to improved focus and concentration: Mindfulness Practice: Engaging with the Surah requires individuals to pay close attention to the words and meanings, promoting mindfulness and concentration.

Ø  The noble prophet Muhammad (S) says, ‘the reward of reciting surah Adiyat equals that of reciting half the Quran.

Ø  Elsewhere the prophet of mercy (S) says, ‘he who recites surah Adiyat is rewarded ten times as much as those who camp in the area of Muzdalafah at the time of Hajj pilgrimage.

Ø  In another hadith, the messenger of God (S) says, ‘one who habituates oneself to reciting surah Adiyat, will be resurrected in the hereafter with the commander of the faithful, Ali (AS), and will be accounted among his companions and friends.

The benefits attributed to Surah Al-Adiyat are largely based on Islamic traditions and the Hadiths, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

1.      Enhanced Consciousness: Surah Al-Adiyat serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment, which is a fundamental concept in Islamic belief. It emphasizes the idea that every individual will be held accountable for their actions on that day. This awareness of ultimate accountability can have several effects on individuals, eg. Heightened Moral Awareness, Responsible Decision-Making & Self-Reflection.

2.      Strengthened Relationship with Allah: Regular recitation of Surah can deepen one’s spiritual connection with Allah in several ways like Increased Devotion, Inner Strength & Improved Prayer.

3.      Induction of Mental Peace: The Surah’s rhythmic tone and profound meanings can induce a state of mental peace and tranquility through Meditation and Contemplation, Stress Reduction & Spiritual Comfort.

4.      Improved Focus and Concentration: The themes presented in Surah Al-Adiyat can serve as a point of meditation, contributing to improved focus and concentration which can be attained through Mindfulness Practice, Application in Daily Life & Spiritual Growth.

5.      Moral Upliftment: The Surah’s emphasis on the consequences of human actions in the Hereafter can serve as a moral guide in number of ways like, Ethical Decision-Making, Personal Development & Integrity

6.      Fostering Community Cohesion: Collective recitation of Surah Al-Adiyat can have a unifying effect within Muslim communities and help in Inculcating a Sense of Community, Shared Spiritual Experience & Promoting Unity,

7.      Contribution to Overall Well-Being: While the benefits are not scientifically proven, many believers report experiencing a sense of relaxation and reduced stress levels after reciting or listening to Surah Al-Adiyat, which includes Emotional Balance, Mind-Body Connection & Coping Mechanism.

The Virtue of Studying Surah 'Adiyat

On the virtue of reciting this Surah, the holy Prophet (S) is narrated to have said: "He who recites this Surah will be rewarded ten good deeds as many as the number of the people who stay at Muzdalafah (Mash'ar, Sacred Monument) and gather witnessing it.”

Another tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) says: "He who recites Surah 'Adiyat and continues reciting it Allah will raise him up with Amir-al-Mo'mineen (Ali, (as)) on Doomsday and he will be with him (as) and his companions.”

Blessings of reciting surah Adiyat

A number of blessings have been mentioned for the recitation of surah Adiyat, the most noteworthy of which are: paying off debts and expansion of sustenance.

Paying off debts: Based on the narrations, he who endeavors to repeatedly recite surah Adiyat, God Almighty helps him pay his debt from an unpredictable source.6

Expansion of sustenance: One who recites this surah 110 times and carries it with oneself, will be relieved of pain, hunger and thirst.

Summary of Surah Al Adiyat:

The Surah aims at making people realize how evil man becomes when he denies the Hereafter, or becomes heedless of it. It also warns that in the Hereafter not only the visible and apparent will be evaluated, but the secrets hidden in their hearts too will be subjected to scrutiny. This Surah was revealed when there was chaos and confusion prevailing in Arabia. Bloodshed, loot and plunder raged on every side. Tribes were subjecting tribes to raids, and no one could have peaceful sleep at night from fear that some enemy tribe might raid his settlement early in the morning.

In short, a one liner theme of surah Al-Adiyat would read that this surah gives an example that horses are more grateful to their owners than men are to their Rabb (Allah). First five ayats of the surah consist of an oath as a metaphor enforcing the lesson.

Researched & Compiled by:

OVAIS ASAD KHAN