SURAH AL – INFITAR Chapter - 82 - Juzz - 30

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of all the Surahs of Holy Quran. An effort to make each of these Surahs understandable in an easy way. Today's effort is SURAH AL–INFITAR Chapter- 82. If you consider it a piece of learning do comment at the bottom of the blog. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen). Please do write comments about this blog at its bottom.

English Translation:

1. When the sky splits open, 2. and when the stars fall away, 3. and when the seas burst forth, 4. and when the graves spill out, 5. ˹then˺ each soul will know what it has sent forth or left behind. 6. O humanity! What has emboldened you against your Lord, the Most Generous, 7. Who created you, fashioned you, and perfected your design, 8. Moulding you in whatever form He willed? 9. But no! In fact, you deny the ˹final˺ Judgment, 10. while you are certainly observed by vigilant, 11. Honourable angels, recording ˹everything˺. 12. They know whatever you do. 13. Indeed, the virtuous will be in bliss, 14. and the wicked will be in Hell, 15. burning in it on Judgment Day, 16. and they will have no escape from it. 17. What will make you realize what Judgment Day is? 18. Again, what will make you realize what Judgment Day is? 19. It is˺ the Day no soul will be of ˹any˺ benefit to another whatsoever, for all authority on that Day belongs to Allah ˹entirely˺.

Introduction:

Surah Al-Infitar, (The Bursting Apart, The Cleaving Asunder, The Shattering, The Splitting, The Cataclysm) the 82nd chapter of the Quran with 19 ayats, 334 letters, 81 words and is in the Juzz 30 of the Holy Quran. This Surah holds profound significance in Islamic teachings. Revealed in Makkah, this surah delves into the intricate details of the Day of Judgement, reminding believers of the consequences of their actions and the ultimate accountability before Allah. It is the named 'Al-Infitar' because of the occurrence of the word 'unfatarat' in the first verse of this chapter. The word Infitar comes from the root word ‘Fatara’ (فطر) which means split apart and ‘Infitar’ means to be split apart. This Surah and the Surah At-Takwir closely resemble each other in their subject matter. This shows that both were sent down in about the same period.

Background:

Surah Infitar is the 82nd chapter of the Quran and the central theme of this chapter is the Day of Judgments including the events preceding it and those that will happen within it like the end of the world, fates of the good and evil doers, the recording of deeds as well topics like man’s arrogance and in contrast, Allah’s Lordship and beneficence.

Message of Surah Infitar:

Surah Al-Infitar, the 82nd chapter of the Qur’an, delivers a profound message that revolves around the themes of the end of the world, the signs of God in creation, individual accountability, and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. Here’s a breakdown of its central message:

The Reality of the End Times: The descriptions in surah serve to emphasize the reality and magnitude of the Day of Judgment. It’s a day when the usual order of the universe will be disrupted, signaling the end of the world as we know it.

Signs of God in Creation: The Surah draws attention to various aspects of creation, urging humans to reflect upon them. The sky, the earth, and the mountains are presented not just as passive elements of nature but as signs (Ayat) of God’s power, wisdom, and meticulous design. By reflecting on these signs, believers are encouraged to recognize the greatness of the Creator and the purposefulness of creation.

Individual Accountability: A significant portion of the Surah is dedicated to the concept of individual accountability. Every person will be presented with their record of deeds, and they will be fully aware of their actions, good or bad. This emphasis on personal responsibility serves as a moral compass, reminding believers that they will be held accountable for their choices and actions in this world.

The Reality of the Hereafter: The Surah culminates in a description of the Hereafter, where the righteous will be in a state of bliss, while those who deny the truth and act wickedly will face consequences. This stark contrast between the outcomes serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the eternal reality of the life to come.

Function of the angels as mentioned in the Surah Al-Infitar:

In Surah Al-Infitar, angels are mentioned in the context of their roles related to human beings and the Hereafter. Specifically, the Surah mentions the following functions of the angels:

Record Keepers: Verses 10-12 of the Surah state: “And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, Noble, and recording; They know whatever you do. “These verses refer to the angels who are appointed to record the deeds of every individual.

Witnesses on the Day of Judgment: The records maintained by these angels will be presented on the Day of Judgment. Every individual will be shown their record, and these angels will serve as witnesses to the deeds recorded therein.

Virtues of Surah Al-Infitar:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the virtues of Surah Al-Infitar, urging believers to recite it regularly. Its recitation in prayers was encouraged as a means to seek protection from trials and to attain spiritual elevation. The Prophet’s guidance underscores the surah’s significance in connecting believers with the divine and seeking refuge in Allah’s mercy.

Benefits of Reciting Surah Infitar

Surah Al-Infitar, with its profound verses, acts as a catalyst for strengthening faith. By discussing both the seen (the wonders of creation) and the unseen (the Hereafter), it challenges believers to broaden their horizons, delve deeper into their beliefs, and solidify their trust in God.

It has been narrated from Jafar ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (peace be upon him): “Whoever reads Surat-al-Infitar and Surat al-Inshiqaq, keeping them constantly in mind, during obligatory prayers and optional prayers, no veil will shield him from Allah Taala, and Allah, the most Glorified One, will look after him till people are through with their reckoning.”

Reciting Surah Al Infitar is believed to have several benefits for believers, including:

Ø  It is said to help one to be steadfast in their faith, especially during times of hardship and adversity.

Ø  It is also believed to help one to be mindful of the end of the world and the day of judgment, encouraging them to live righteous lives.

Ø  It is believed to bring peace and comfort to the hearts of those who recite it.

Ø  It is believed to help those who are facing death and dying, giving them hope and reassurance that they will be reunited with loved ones in the afterlife.

Ø  It is believed to help one to overcome difficulties and to be rewarded in the afterlife.

Lessons of Surah Al Infitar:

Here are some of the lessons and benefits derived from Surah Al-Infitar:

1.      Reminder of the Day of Judgment: Surah Al-Infitar paints a vivid picture of the end times, describing phenomena like the sky splitting open and stars dispersing. By being constantly reminded of this day, believers are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual obligations, understand the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, and focus on actions that will benefit them in the eternal life to come.

2.      Reflection on the Wonders of Creation: The Surah emphasizes the intricacies and wonders of the universe, from the vast skies above to the mountains that stand firm below. The Surah encourages a mindset of gratitude, mindfulness, and continuous reflection.

3.      Emphasis on Individual Accountability: This Surah focus on personal accountability ensures that believers remain conscious of their actions, understanding that they can’t hide behind collective identities or blame others for their misdeeds. It’s a call for introspection, self-improvement, and personal growth.

4.      Encouragement for Moral Uprightness: This Surah indirectly sets a standard for moral and ethical behavior. This guidance is invaluable, especially in challenging situations where the right course of action might be unclear. It encourages believers to always choose the path of honesty, integrity, and righteousness, even when faced with temptations.

5.      Strengthening of Faith: Surah Al-Infitar, with its profound verses, acts as a catalyst for strengthening faith. By discussing both the seen (the wonders of creation) and the unseen (the Hereafter), it challenges believers to broaden their horizons, delve deeper into their beliefs, and solidify their trust in God.

6.      Motivation to Seek Forgiveness: The Surah’s emphasis on the Hereafter and accountability serves as a gentle nudge towards seeking forgiveness. It’s a reminder that while mistakes are inevitable, continuous repentance and a sincere return to God can wipe the slate clean. This message is one of hope, assuring believers that no matter how far they’ve strayed, there’s always a path back to God’s mercy and grace.

7.      Cultivating Patience and Perseverance: As believers contemplate the trials and tribulations portrayed in the surah, it becomes a source of strength, fostering patience and perseverance. The assurance of Allah’s ultimate justice provides solace in times of adversity, promoting resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

8.      Encouragement for Good Deeds: Through its depiction of accountability in the Hereafter, Surah Infitar motivates believers to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and righteousness. It serves as a catalyst for a virtuous and compassionate life, driven by the anticipation of divine recompense.

9.      Seeking Refuge in Allah: The surah begins with the oath of the splitting of the heavens, creating a sense of awe and reverence. Reciting Surah Infitar serves as a means of seeking refuge in Allah from the overwhelming events of the Day of Judgment, invoking a sense of trust in His mercy and justice.

Wazaif of surah Al Infitar

Wazaif is an Arabic term that refers to the practice of reciting certain verses or passages from the Quran with the intention of gaining a specific benefit or fulfilling a specific need. In the context of Surah Al Infitar, there are several wazaifs that are believed to be associated with this surah, including:

·         Reciting Surah Al Infitar seven times in the morning and seven times in the evening is said to bring peace and tranquility to one’s heart and to help one to be steadfast in their faith.

·         Reciting Surat Al Infitar 21 times daily is said to help one to overcome difficulties and to be rewarded in the afterlife.

·         Reciting Surat Al Infitar 100 times and blowing on a glass of water and then drinking it is said to cure any illness and bring peace and comfort to one’s heart.

·         Reciting Surat Al Infitar after Fajr and Asr prayer is said to help one to be mindful of the end of the world and the day of judgment.

Summary of Surah Infitar

Surah Al-Infitar discusses various signs of the Day of Judgment, including the splitting of the heavens, the falling of stars, the eruption of seas, and the awakening of the dead from their graves. Like many of the chapters of the 30th part of the Quran, Surah Infitar too deals with the realities of Qiyamah. The chapter starts off with describing the events of the end of the world. It then goes on to discuss man and his actions and his arrogance as well as God’s lordship and generosity. It also delves into why man is arrogant and also has a brief discussion on the recording of deeds and the angel assigned to this task. It ends with describing the fates of the good and evil doers. Key themes in Surah Al-Infitar include the inevitability of the Day of Judgment, the consequences of disbelief and disobedience, the rewards of righteousness, and the absolute authority of Allah over all affairs.

In essence, Surah Al-Infitar serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this world, the signs of God that surround us, our individual responsibility, and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. It calls on believers to reflect, act righteously, and prepare for the life to come.

Conclusion

Surah Infitar unfolds a powerful narrative of the Day of Judgment, evoking a profound sense of accountability and awe. Its verses serve as a guide for believers, inspiring a life of righteousness, humility, and perseverance. Through reflection and recitation, the surah becomes a transformative force, aligning hearts with the reality of the Hereafter and reinforcing the unwavering belief in the supremacy of Allah. May the profound teachings of Surah Al-Infitar guide us on the path of righteousness and lead us to success in both worlds.

 

Researched & Compiled by:

OVAIS ASAD KHAN