الواقعة
The Inevitable
Explanations are simplified from tafsirs by Ibn Kathir, Mufti Muhammad Shafi, and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Spot an inaccuracy? Let us know.
afabihādhā l-ḥadīthi antum mud'hinūna
Then is it to this statement that you are indifferent
watajʿalūna riz'qakum annakum tukadhibūna
And make [the thanks for] your provision that you deny [the Provider]?
falawlā idhā balaghati l-ḥul'qūma
Then why, when it [i.e., the soul at death] reaches the throat
wa-antum ḥīna-idhin tanẓurūna
And you are at that time looking on -
wanaḥnu aqrabu ilayhi minkum walākin lā tub'ṣirūna
And We [i.e., Our angels] are nearer to him than you, but you do not see -
falawlā in kuntum ghayra madīnīna
Then why do you not, if you are not to be recompensed,
tarjiʿūnahā in kuntum ṣādiqīna
Bring it back, if you should be truthful?
fa-ammā in kāna mina l-muqarabīna
And if he [i.e., the deceased] was of those brought near [to Allāh],
farawḥun warayḥānun wajannatu naʿīmin
Then [for him is] rest and bounty and a garden of pleasure.
wa-ammā in kāna min aṣḥābi l-yamīni
And if he was of the companions of the right,
fasalāmun laka min aṣḥābi l-yamīni
Then [the angels will say], "Peace for you; [you are] from the companions of the right."
wa-ammā in kāna mina l-mukadhibīna l-ḍālīna
But if he was of the deniers [who were] astray,
fanuzulun min ḥamīmin
Then [for him is] accommodation of scalding water
wataṣliyatu jaḥīmin
And burning in Hellfire.
inna hādhā lahuwa ḥaqqu l-yaqīni
Indeed, this is the true certainty,
fasabbiḥ bi-is'mi rabbika l-ʿaẓīmi
So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great.