أَزِفَتِ ٱلْـَٔازِفَةُ 57
Translations
The Approaching Day has approached.
Transliteration
Azifati al-aazifah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that 'The Hour has drawn near,' referring to the Day of Judgment approaching its appointed time. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that while the exact time remains known only to Allah, the signs and portents indicate its proximity. This statement serves as a powerful warning to the believers of Makkah about the certainty and imminence of the final reckoning.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Najm is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet (peace be upon him) faced intense opposition. This ayah appears near the conclusion of the surah as part of the overall message emphasizing accountability and the reality of the Afterlife, which was a central theme in addressing the disbelievers' denial of resurrection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour and I have been sent like this,' making a gesture with his two fingers close together (Sahih Bukhari 4935). Additionally, the Quran states in Surah Al-Qamar 54:1 with similar wording about the Hour drawing near, emphasizing this recurring Quranic theme.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah instills in believers a sense of responsibility and vigilance regarding their deeds, as the Hour is drawing ever closer. It serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize spiritual preparation and righteous action rather than becoming complacent with worldly pursuits.
Related Ayahs
فَٱلْجَـٰرِيَـٰتِ يُسْرًا
And the ships sailing with ease
۞ أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ مَا فِى ٱلْقُبُورِ
But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered
وَقِهِمُ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ وَمَن تَقِ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمْتَهُۥ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ
And protect them from the evil consequences [of their deeds]. And he whom You protect from evil consequences that Day - You will have given him mercy. And that is the great attainment."
لِيُكَفِّرَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ أَسْوَأَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ وَيَجْزِيَهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ ٱلَّذِى كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
That Allāh may remove from them the worst of what they did and reward them their due for the best of what they used to do.