Introduction
Surah 75 (al-Qiyamah) is a critical section of the Islamic holy book. It encompasses topics ranging from society’s morality to judgment day prophecies. Al-Qiyamah uses rhetorical devices, literacy styles, and rhyme to encourage people to act morally uprightly and stipulates immorality’s consequences (Itani, n.d.). The following essay discusses some aspects of Surah 75, its chronological position within the Qur’an, historical context, morality envisioned, sectional divisions, and possible later insertions. It provides literacy and rhetoric styles employed, a translation of a portion of the Surah, and reflection on the Surah.
Chronological Position of the Surah
Surah 75 of the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. This portion of the Qur’an is among the oldest passages, and its chronological position can be discerned from the order of the Qur’an’s Surahs. Because of how the Qur’an was put together, the Surahs are not in chronological order, yet many earlier ones—like Surah 75—appear earlier in the text than later ones. This suggests that Surah 75 was given to the Prophet Muhammad before his prophetic mission.
Historical Context
Surah 75 was revealed to the Prophet at an appropriate time. It was delivered when the Prophet Muhammad and his followers encountered intense resistance from their opponents in Mecca (Ernst, 2011). Surah 75 is a powerful reminder of judgment day, which will likely bring retribution to those who rejected Muhammad’s message. As a result, Al-Qiyamah serves as a powerful warning against immorality and an appeal to moral behavior. Surah is a constant reminder that disobedience to God’s laws is punishable in the current life and the afterlife.
Morality Envisioned
As stated, Surah 75 envisions judgment day and the consequences of certain behaviors. It envisions a morality based on obedience to God and maintaining moral behavior. Al-Qiyamah emphasizes the significance of righteous behavior and justice and warns against injustice and immorality. Moreover, it calls for people to remain steadfast in their faith in God and avoid worldly temptations. The section warns against idolatry, arrogance, and hypocrisy.
Sectional Divisions and Sub-Divisions
Surah 75 has four sections and several sub-sections. The first section concentrates on the inevitability of judgment day and warns sternly about denying the truth and engaging in injustices and wickedness. The second section discusses the punishment given to those who disobeyed prophecies (Itani, n.d.). The third section concentrates on the punishments and rewards of the afterlife and the consequences of wrongdoing and immorality. The final section encourages people to be steadfast in their faith and shun worldly pursuits.
Rhyme Structure, Literary Features, and Winning Its Audience
Surah 75 of the Qur’an has a complex rhyme structure that can be observed in transliteration. The Surah comprises rhymed prose, in which a section’s end is associated with a particular sound. The rhyme structure is a standard feature of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry and is likely to have been used by Prophet Muhammad to memorize and remember the Surah (Ernst, 2011). The rhyme structure emphasizes Surah’s key themes and messages.
Al-Qiyamah of the Qur’an is likely to have employed several literary features and styles to deliver its points. Oaths such as “I swear by the blaming soul “and metaphors like “And the sun and the moon are joined together” are used to emphasize the importance of Surah’s message (Itani, n.d.). Moreover, it uses contrast, such as “Faces on that Day will be radiant…And faces on that Day will be gloomy,” to differentiate righteous and wicked behaviors (Itani, n.d.). The Surah tends to use warnings and exhortations to win over audiences (Itani, n.d.). It uses repetition to warn against immorality and injustices and exhorts people to righteousness and faithfulness.
Possible Insertions and Pairing with an Adjacent Surah
Most of Surah 75’s content was included in the initial revelation after the Prophet Muhammad received it at Mecca. However, considering the Surah’s complexity and length, some of its content might have been added later during the compilation of the holy book (Ernst, 2011). The reference to the judgment day in the first section might have been later insertions. Surah 75 has been paired with previous and adjacent Surah, such as Al-Jinn. Both were revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and had similar themes (Ernst, 2011). They warn against immorality and disobedience by highlighting their consequences.
Translation of A Portion
“On that Day, man will say, “Where is the escape?” No indeed! There is no refuge. To your Lord, the settlement is on that Day. On that Day, man will be informed of everything he put forward and left behind. And man will be evidence against himself. Even as he presents his excuses, do not wag your tongue with it; hurry on with it. Upon us is a collection and its recitation. Then, when we have recited it, follow its recitation. Then, upon Us is its explanation. Alas, you love the fleeting of life” (Itani, n.d.).
I find Surah 75 remarkable because it strongly emphasizes the Day of the Resurrection and the rewards and punishments that await both believers and disbelievers. It tends to remindme to embrace the truth of Islam and prepare for judgment day by repenting.I am particularly interested in Surah’s emphasis on obeying God and the repercussions of disobedience. Surah 75 has changed my perspective, and I will embrace the message of living a righteous life.
Conclusion
Surah 75 is an essential message of the Qur’an. It delivers its message and wins over its audience through rhetorical devices, rhyme structure, and literary styles. Surah 75 is a constant reminder of the need for morality and the consequences of disobedience and wrongdoings. Due to its position, historical context, morality envisioned, rhyme structures, and sectional divisions, Surah 75 is a powerful and memorable passage in the Qur’an.
References
Ernst, C. W. (2011). How to read the Qur’an: A new guide, with select translations. University of North Carolina Press.
Itani, T. (n.d.). Clear and easy to read. Quran in English. Web.