إِذَا زُلْزِلَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ زِلْزَالَهَا 1
Translations
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
Transliteration
Idha zulzilatil ardu zilzalaha
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the moment when the earth will be violently shaken on the Day of Judgment with a tremendous earthquake. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'zilzalaha' (its earthquake) refers to the most severe and violent shaking, emphasizing the cosmic upheaval that will occur as a prelude to the events of the Last Day. This opening statement sets the tone for the entire surah, which describes the eschatological signs accompanying the resurrection.
Revelation Context
Surah Az-Zalzalah is a Medinan surah that focuses entirely on the events of the Day of Judgment and the consequences of human deeds. The surah was revealed to remind the believers of accountability and the certainty of the resurrection, providing context for moral responsibility in this life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour will not be established until... the earth is shaken with a violent quaking' (Sahih Bukhari 3176). Additionally, related to the Day of Judgment signs, the Prophet mentioned various earthquakes as among the minor signs preceding the Hour (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that the present world is temporary and will be destroyed, encouraging believers to prioritize righteous deeds and preparation for the Hereafter rather than attachment to worldly pursuits. It awakens consciousness of accountability before Allah on a day when all earthly structures and certainties will be shaken.
Related Ayahs
يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْوَدَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ أَكَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَـٰنِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
On the Day [some] faces will turn white and [some] faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black, [to them it will be said], "Did you disbelieve [i.e., reject faith] after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject."
فَإِنَّمَا هِىَ زَجْرَةٌ وَٰحِدَةٌ
Indeed, it will be but one shout,
وَنَضَعُ ٱلْمَوَٰزِينَ ٱلْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِنَا حَـٰسِبِينَ
And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَـٰذَا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا ۚ قَالَ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
If you could but see when they will be made to stand before their Lord. He will say, "Is this not the truth?" They will say, "Yes, by our Lord." He will [then] say, "So taste the punishment for what you used to deny."