101. Al-Qariya

Syed Abu-Ala' Maududi's Chapter Introductions to the Quran



Name

The Sura takes its name from its first word al- qariah. This is not only a name but also the title of its subject matter for the Sura is devoted to Resurrection.

Period of Reveletion

There is no dispute about its being a Makki Sura. Its contents show that this too is one of the earliest Suras to be revealed at Makkah.

Theme and Subject Matter

Its theme is Resurrection and the Hereafter. At the outset the people have been aroused and alarmed saying: "The Great Disaster!What is the Great Disaster? And what do you know what the Great Disaster is?"Thus after preparing the listeners for the news of the dreadful calamity Resurrection has been depicted before them in two sentences saying that on that Day people will be running about in confusion and bewilderment just like so many scattered moths around a light and the mountains uprooted will their cohesion and will fly about like carded wool. Then it has been said that when Allah's Court is established in the Hereafter and the people are called upon to account for their deeds. The people whose good deeds are found to be heavier than their evil deeds will be blessed with bliss and happiness and the people whose good deeds are found to be lighter than their evil deeds will be cast into the deep pit full of burning fire.