Surah Waqiah with English Translation
Surah Al-Waqi’ah (Arabic: سورة الواقعة), the 56th chapter of the Quran, is a profound Meccan revelation that vividly describes the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). Its name, “The Inevitable Event,” underscores the certainty of this divine reckoning.
Revered for its themes of accountability, divine power, and the afterlife, this Surah is often recited by Muslims seeking spiritual reflection and blessings.
Many also believe in its virtues, such as protection from poverty, though scholars note that specific Hadiths on this are considered weak. Regardless, its timeless message remains a cornerstone of Islamic eschatology.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Surah Name | Al-Waqi’ah (الواقعة) – “The Inevitable Event” |
| Chapter Number | 56 |
| Place of Revelation | Mecca (Makki Surah) |
| Juz’ Number | Juz’ 27 (covers verses 1–96) |
| Number of Verses | 96 |
| Rukus (Sections) | 3 |
English Translation of Surah Al-Waqi’ah
Verse 1
Izaa waqa’atil waaqi’ah
إِذَا وَقَعَتِ الْوَاقِعَةُ
When the Event inevitable cometh to pass,
Verse 2
Laisa liwaq’atihaa kaazibah
لَيْسَ لِوَقْعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ
Then will no (soul) entertain falsehood concerning its coming.
Verse 3
Khafidatur raafi’ah
خَافِضَةٌ رَافِعَةٌ
(Many) will it bring low; (many) will it exalt;
Verse 4
Izaa rujjatil ardu rajjaa
إِذَا رُجَّتِ الْأَرْضُ رَجًّا
When the earth shall be shaken to its depths,
Verse 5
Wa bussatil jibaalu bassaa
وَبُسَّتِ الْجِبَالُ بَسًّا
And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms,
Verse 6
Fakaanat habaaa’am mumbassaa
فَكَانَتْ هَبَاءً مُنْبَثًّا
Becoming dust scattered abroad,
Verse 7
Wa kuntum azwaajan salaasah
وَكُنْتُمْ أَزْوَاجًا ثَلَاثَةً
And ye shall be sorted out into three classes.
Verse 8
Fa as haabul maimanati maaa as haabul maimanah
فَأَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ
Then (there will be) the Companions of the Right Hand;- What will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
Verse 9
Wa as haabul mash’amati maaa as haabul mash’amah
وَأَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ
And the Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
Verse 10
Wassaabiqoonas saabiqoon
وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ
And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).
Verse 11
Ulaaa’ikal muqarraboon
أُولَٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ
These will be those Nearest to Allah:
Verse 12
Fee Jannaatin Na’eem
فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ
In Gardens of Bliss:
Verse 13
Sullatum minal awwaleen
ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ
A number of people from those of old,
Verse 14
Wa qaleelum minal aa khireen
وَقَلِيلٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ
And a few from those of later times.
Verse 15
‘Alaa sururim mawdoonah
عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مَوْضُونَةٍ
(They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones),
Verse 16
Muttaki’eena ‘alaihaa mutaqabileen
مُتَّكِئِينَ عَلَيْهَا مُتَقَابِلِينَ
Reclining on them, facing each other.
Verse 17
Yatoofu ‘alaihim wildaa num mukhalladoon
يَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ وِلْدَانٌ مُخَلَّدُونَ
Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness),
Verse 18
Bi akwaabinw wa abaareeq, wa kaasim mim ma’een
بِأَكْوَابٍ وَأَبَارِيقَ وَكَأْسٍ مِنْ مَعِينٍ
With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains:
Verse 19
Laa yusadda’oona ‘anhaa wa laa yunzifoon
لَا يُصَدَّعُونَ عَنْهَا وَلَا يُنْزِفُونَ
No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:
Verse 20
Wa faakihatim mimmaa yatakhaiyaroon
وَفَاكِهَةٍ مِمَّا يَتَخَيَّرُونَ
And with fruits, any that they may select:
Verse 21
Wa lahmi tairim mimmaa yashtahoon
وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ
And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.
Verse 22
Wa hoorun’een
وَحُورٌ عِينٌ
And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-
Verse 23
Ka amsaalil lu’lu’il maknoon
كَأَمْثَالِ اللُّؤْلُؤِ الْمَكْنُونِ
Like unto Pearls well-guarded.
Verse 24
Jazaaa’am bimaa kaanoo ya’maloon
جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
A Reward for the deeds of their past (life).
Verse 25
Laa yasma’oona feehaa laghwanw wa laa taaseemaa
لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا تَأْثِيمًا
Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill,-
Verse 26
Illaa qeelan salaaman salaamaa
إِلَّا قِيلًا سَلَامًا سَلَامًا
Only the saying, “Peace! Peace”.
Verse 27
Wa as haabul yameeni maaa as haabul Yameen
وَأَصْحَابُ الْيَمِينِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْيَمِينِ
The Companions of the Right Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
Verse 28
Fee sidrim makhdood
فِي سِدْرٍ مَخْضُودٍ
(They will be) among Lote-trees without thorns,
Verse 29
Wa talhim mandood
وَطَلْحٍ مَنْضُودٍ
Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,-
Verse 30
Wa zillim mamdood
وَظِلٍّ مَمْدُودٍ
In shade long-extended,
Verse 31
Wa maaa’im maskoob
وَمَاءٍ مَسْكُوبٍ
By water flowing constantly,
Verse 32
Wa faakihatin kaseerah
وَفَاكِهَةٍ كَثِيرَةٍ
And fruit in abundance.
Verse 33
Laa maqtoo’atinw wa laa mamnoo’ah
لَا مَقْطُوعَةٍ وَلَا مَمْنُوعَةٍ
Whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden,
Verse 34
Wa furushim marfoo’ah
وَفُرُشٍ مَرْفُوعَةٍ
And on Thrones (of Dignity), raised high.
Verse 35
Innaaa anshaanaahunna inshaaa’aa
إِنَّا أَنْشَأْنَاهُنَّ إِنْشَاءً
We have created (their Companions) of special creation.
Verse 36
Faja’alnaahunna abkaaraa
فَجَعَلْنَاهُنَّ أَبْكَارًا
And made them virgin – pure (and undefiled), –
Verse 37
‘Uruban atraabaa
عُرُبًا أَتْرَابًا
Beloved (by nature), equal in age,-
Verse 38
Li as haabil yameen
لِأَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ
For the Companions of the Right Hand.
Verse 39
Sullatum minal awwa leen
ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ
A (goodly) number from those of old,
Verse 40
Wa sullatum minal aakhireen
وَثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ
And a (goodly) number from those of later times.
Verse 41
Wa as haabush shimaali maaa as haabush shimaal
وَأَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ
The Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
Verse 42
Fee samoominw wa hameem
فِي سَمُومٍ وَحَمِيمٍ
(They will be) in the midst of a Fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water,
Verse 43
Wa zillim miny yahmoom
وَظِلٍّ مِنْ يَحْمُومٍ
And in the shades of Black Smoke:
Verse 44
Laa baaridinw wa laa kareem
لَا بَارِدٍ وَلَا كَرِيمٍ
Nothing (will there be) to refresh, nor to please:
Verse 45
Innahum kaanoo qabla zaalika mutrafeen
إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُتْرَفِينَ
For that they were wont to be indulged, before that, in wealth (and luxury),
Verse 46
Wa kaanoo yusirroona ‘alal hinsil ‘azeem
وَكَانُوا يُصِرُّونَ عَلَى الْحِنْثِ الْعَظِيمِ
And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme!
Verse 47
Wa kaanoo yaqooloona a’izaa mitnaa wa kunnaa turaabanw wa izaaman’ainnaa lamab’oosoon
وَكَانُوا يَقُولُونَ أَئِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا وَعِظَامًا أَإِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ
And they used to say, “What! when we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised up again?
Verse 48
Awa aabaaa’unal awwaloon
أَوَآبَاؤُنَا الْأَوَّلُونَ
“(We) and our fathers of old?”
Verse 49
Qul innal awwaleena wal aakhireen
قُلْ إِنَّ الْأَوَّلِينَ وَالْآخِرِينَ
Say: “Yea, those of old and those of later times,
Verse 50
Lamajmoo’oona ilaa meeqaati yawmim ma’loom
لَمَجْمُوعُونَ إِلَىٰ مِيقَاتِ يَوْمٍ مَعْلُومٍ
“All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day well-known.
Verse 51
Summa innakum ayyuhad daaalloonal mukazziboon
ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ أَيُّهَا الضَّالُّونَ الْمُكَذِّبُونَ
“Then will ye truly,- O ye that go wrong, and treat (Truth) as Falsehood!-
Verse 52
La aakiloona min shaja rim min zaqqoom
لَآكِلُونَ مِنْ شَجَرٍ مِنْ زَقُّومٍ
“Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.
Verse 53
Famaali’oona minhal butoon
فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَ
“Then will ye fill your insides therewith,
Verse 54
Fashaariboona ‘alaihi minal hameem
فَشَارِبُونَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ الْحَمِيمِ
“And drink Boiling Water on top of it:
Verse 55
Fashaariboona shurbal heem
فَشَارِبُونَ شُرْبَ الْهِيمِ
“Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!”
Verse 56
Haazaa nuzuluhum yawmad deen
هَٰذَا نُزُلُهُمْ يَوْمَ الدِّينِ
Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!
Verse 57
Nahnu khalaqnaakum falaw laa tusaddiqoon
نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَ
It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?
Verse 58
Afara’aytum maa tumnoon
أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَ
Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
Verse 59
‘A-antum takhluqoo nahooo am nahnul khaaliqoon
أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَ
Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
Verse 60
Nahnu qaddarnaa baina kumul mawta wa maa nahnu bimasbooqeen
نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ
We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated
Verse 61
‘Alaaa an nubaddila amsaalakum wa nunshi’akum fee maa laa ta’lamoon
عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know not.
Verse 62
Wa laqad ‘alimtumun nash atal oolaa falaw laa tazakkaroon
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ
And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?
Verse 63
Afara’aytum maa tahrusoon
أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ
See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?
Verse 64
‘A-antum tazra’oonahooo am nahnuz zaari’ooon
أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ
Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?
Verse 65
Law nashaaa’u laja’al naahu hutaaman fazaltum tafakkahoon
لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ
Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,
Verse 66
Innaa lamughramoon
إِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُونَ
(Saying), “We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):
Verse 67
Bal nahnu mahroomoon
بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ
“Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)”
Verse 68
Afara’aytumul maaa’allazee tashraboon
أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ
See ye the water which ye drink?
Verse 69
‘A-antum anzaltumoohu minal muzni am nahnul munziloon
أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُونَ
Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?
Verse 70
Law nashaaa’u ja’alnaahu ujaajan falaw laa tashkuroon
لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ
Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye not give thanks?
Verse 71
Afara’aytumun naaral latee tooroon
أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُونَ
See ye the Fire which ye kindle?
Verse 72
‘A-antum anshaatum shajaratahaaa am nahnul munshi’oon
أَأَنْتُمْ أَنْشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْشِئُونَ
Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
Verse 73
Nahnu ja’alnaahaa tazkira tanw wa mataa’al lilmuqween
نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ
We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.
Verse 74
Fasabbih bismi Rabbikal ‘azeem
فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ
Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme!
Verse 75
Falaa uqsimu bimaawaa qi’innujoom
فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ
Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,-
Verse 76
Wa innahoo laqasamul lawta’lamoona’azeem
وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ
And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew,-
Verse 77
Innahoo la quraanun kareem
إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ
That this is indeed a qur�an Most Honourable,
Verse 78
Fee kitaabim maknoon
فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ
In Book well-guarded,
Verse 79
Laa yamassuhooo illal mutahharoon
لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ
Which none shall touch but those who are clean:
Verse 80
Tanzeelum mir Rabbil’aalameen
تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.
Verse 81
Afabihaazal hadeesi antum mudhinoon
أَفَبِهَٰذَا الْحَدِيثِ أَنْتُمْ مُدْهِنُونَ
Is it such a Message that ye would hold in light esteem?
Verse 82
Wa taj’aloona rizqakum annakum tukazziboon
وَتَجْعَلُونَ رِزْقَكُمْ أَنَّكُمْ تُكَذِّبُونَ
And have ye made it your livelihood that ye should declare it false?
Verse 83
Falaw laaa izaa balaghatil hulqoom
فَلَوْلَا إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُومَ
Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches the throat,-
Verse 84
Wa antum heena’izin tanzuroon
وَأَنْتُمْ حِينَئِذٍ تَنْظُرُونَ
And ye the while (sit) looking on,-
Verse 85
Wa nahnu aqrabu ilaihi minkum wa laakil laa tubsiroon
وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ
But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not,
Verse 86
Falaw laaa in kuntum ghaira madeeneen
فَلَوْلَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ غَيْرَ مَدِينِينَ
Then why do ye not,- If you are exempt from (future) account,-
Verse 87
Tarji’oonahaaa in kuntum saadiqeen
تَرْجِعُونَهَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ
Call back the soul, if ye are true (in the claim of independence)?
Verse 88
Fa ammaaa in kaana minal muqarrabeen
فَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ
Thus, then, if he be of those Nearest to Allah,
Verse 89
Farawhunw wa raihaa nunw wa jannatu na’eem
فَرَوْحٌ وَرَيْحَانٌ وَجَنَّتُ نَعِيمٍ
(There is for him) Rest and Satisfaction, and a Garden of Delights.
Verse 90
Wa ammaaa in kaana min as haabil yameen
وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ
And if he be of the Companions of the Right Hand,
Verse 91
Fasalaamul laka min as haabil yameen
فَسَلَامٌ لَكَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ
(For him is the salutation), “Peace be unto thee”, from the Companions of the Right Hand.
Verse 92
Wa ammaaa in kaana minal mukazzibeenad daaalleen
وَأَمَّا إِنْ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ الضَّالِّينَ
And if he be of those who treat (Truth) as Falsehood, who go wrong,
Verse 93
Fanuzulum min hameem
فَنُزُلٌ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ
For him is Entertainment with Boiling Water.
Verse 94
Wa tasliyatu jaheem
وَتَصْلِيَةُ جَحِيمٍ
And burning in Hell-Fire.
Verse 95
Inna haaza lahuwa haqqul yaqeen
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ حَقُّ الْيَقِينِ
Verily, this is the Very Truth and Certainly.
Verse 96
Fasabbih bismi rabbikal ‘azeem
فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ
So celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme.
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Overview of Surah Al-Waqi’ah
- Position in the Quran: 56th chapter, 96 verses (Meccan).
- Key Themes:
- The inevitability of the Hereafter.
- Classification of humanity into three groups based on deeds.
- Descriptions of Paradise (Jannah) and Hellfire (Jahannam).
- Reflection on Allah’s creation as proof of His power.
Structure and Significant Verses
The Surah is divided into three sections:
- The Event and Its Impact (Verses 1-56)
- The Day of Judgment is depicted as an unstoppable reality:
“When the Occurrence occurs, none can deny its occurrence.” (Quran 56:1-2, Sahih International). - Humanity is split into three groups:
- The Foremost (As-Sabiqun): Rewarded with eternal bliss (v. 10-26).
- Companions of the Right: Blessed with gardens and contentment (v. 27-40).
- Companions of the Left: Condemned to Hell for disbelief (v. 41-56).
- The Day of Judgment is depicted as an unstoppable reality:
- Proofs of Divine Power (Verses 57-74)
- Allah’s sovereignty is highlighted through creation:
“Have you considered what you emit? Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?” (56:58-59). - Reflections on plants, water, and fire as signs of His mercy.
- Allah’s sovereignty is highlighted through creation:
- The Quran’s Sanctity and a Call to Reflect (Verses 75-96)
- The Quran’s divine origin is emphasized:
“Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, in a Register well-protected; none touch it except the purified.” (56:77-79). - A closing reminder to glorify Allah’s name (v. 96).
- The Quran’s divine origin is emphasized:
Key Themes and Messages
- Certainty of the Hereafter: The Surah dispels doubt about resurrection, urging preparation through righteous deeds.
- Divine Justice: Rewards and punishments are tailored to one’s faith and actions.
- Gratitude: Observing nature’s wonders inspires thankfulness to the Creator.
- Humility: Humans are reminded of their dependence on Allah’s provision.
Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Waqi’ah
While the Quran’s primary purpose is guidance, many Muslims recite this Surah for:
- Spiritual Awareness: Deepening mindfulness of the afterlife.
- Protection from Poverty: A popular (though debated) belief rooted in weak Hadiths.
- Inner Peace: Its imagery of Paradise fosters hope and tranquility.
How to Engage with the Surah
- Read with Translation: Understand its profound messages.
- Reflect Daily: Incorporate it into nightly prayers (Tahajjud) for spiritual discipline.
- Share Knowledge: Discuss its lessons with family or community.
Notable Quotes for Reflection
- On Divine Provision: “Then why do you not [give thanks] when it [your soul] is taken at death?” (56:83-87).
- On Paradise: “They will be among lotus trees with thorns removed and banana trees layered [with fruit].” (56:28-29).
Conclusion
Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a timeless reminder of life’s ultimate purpose: to worship Allah and prepare for the Hereafter. Its vivid imagery and logical arguments invite both believers and seekers to reflect on existence, justice, and divine mercy.
Whether recited for solace, guidance, or blessings, this Surah bridges the temporal and eternal, urging humanity to live with intention and gratitude.
Explore Surah Al-Waqi’ah today—read its translation, ponder its verses, and let its wisdom transform your heart.