🌌 The Third Period: Exploring the Timeless Message of Resurrection in Islam

The Third Period marks a time in the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) ministry when the messages revolve deeply around eschatological themes. The Revelation highlights the essence of the Hereafter, moral and ethical accountability, alongside vivid portrayals of Paradise and Hell. Let us journey through the significance, variations, and wisdom encapsulated within these nineteen evocative Surahs.

Comprehensive Definitions

1. Sūratu ʾl-Aʿlā (The Chapter of the Most High): Emphasizes divine revelation and memorization.
2. Sūratu ʾl-Qadr (The Chapter of Power): Marks the blessed Night of Decree.
3. Sūratu ʾl-G͟hāshiyah (The Chapter of the Overwhelming): Depicts the overwhelming nature of Judgment Day.
4. Sūratu ʿAbasa (The Chapter “He Frowned”): Highlights humility, rebukes hasty judgments.
5. Sūratu ʾl-Inshiqāq (The Chapter of the Rending Asunder): Discusses the splitting of the heavens on Judgement Day.
6. Sūratu ʾl-Takwīr (The Chapter of the Folding-up): Describes the folding of the universe and the fate of buried daughters.
7. Sūratu ʾt̤-T̤āriq (The Chapter of the Night Star): Reflects on the mysteries of creation.
8. Sūratu ʾn-Naṣr (The Chapter of Help): Prophecy of victory and mass conversion to Islam.
9. Sūratu ʾl-Burūj (The Chapter of the Zodiacal Signs): Condemns persecution of believers.
10. Sūratu ʾt-Tat̤fīf (The Chapter of Those Who Give Short Weight): Warns against fraudulent trade.
11. Sūratu ʾn-Nabaʾ (The Chapter of the Information): Foretells the Day of Judgment.
12. Sūratu ʾl-Mursalāt (The Chapter of Messengers): Swears by angels, recounts Judgment Day’s terror.
13. Sūratu ʾd-Dahr (The Chapter of Time): Concept of human creation and believers’ rewards.
14. Sūratu ʾl-Qiyāmah (The Chapter of Resurrection): Speaks of resurrection, dying infidel’s faith.
15. Sūratu ʾl-Maʿārij (The Chapter of the Ascents): Forewarning of judgment, human ingratitude.
16. Sūratu ʾl-Kāfirūn (The Chapter of Misbelievers): Message of uncompromised monotheism.
17. Sūratu ʾl-Māʿūn (The Chapter of Necessaries): Disparaging uncharitable acts.
18. Sūratu ʾr-Raḥmān (The Chapter of the Merciful): Glorifies Allah’s creations, both heaven and hell.
19. Sūratu ʾl-Wāqiʿah (The Chapter of the Inevitable): Ensures imminent Judgment, divides heaven and hell.

Etymology & Background

• Etymology: The Arabic word “Sūrah” (سورة) means “chapter”. Each Sūrah’s name reflects its core Islamic teaching or element discussed, offering an insight into theological concepts.
• Background: Revealed during Muhammad’s public ministry, when growing opposition toward Islamic Monotheism from Quraish became stark. These Surahs address core elements of faith, emphasizing eschatological realities, moral conduct, divine justice, and mercy.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Differences:

• Judeo-Christian Context: The Book of Revelation focuses on the ultimate judgment and Messianic Kingdom but lacks descriptions found in Islamic eschatology.
• Hindu Cosmology: Cyclic creation with multiple rebirths contrasting the linear, singular Resurrection Day in Islam.

Similarities:

• Apocalyptic Literature: All faiths converge on themes of ultimate justice.
• Moral Imperatives: Righteous behavior rewarding, unrighteous leading to divine repercussions, common in all religions.

Synonyms, Antonyms, Related Terms

• Synonyms: Eschatology, Afterlife, Judgement.
• Antonyms: Nullification, Annihilation.
• Related Terms:
  • Balāʾ (بلاء): Trial, adversity.
  • Jannah (جنة): Paradise.
  • Nār (نار): Hellfire.
  • Yawm Al-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة): The Day of Resurrection.

Exciting Facts

• Resurrection is a central pillar in Islam, reaffirming life after death.
• Sūratu ʾl-Kāfirūn illustrates ultimate refusal of idolatry, contrary to blended religious practices.
• A repetition of definitive refrain occurs in Sūratu ʾr-Raḥmān, “Then which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny?”

Notable Quotations

• Qur’an 87:6-8: “We will make you recite, [O Muhammad], and you will not forget, Except what Allah should will. Indeed, He knows what is declared and what is hidden.”

Suggested Literature for Further Studies and Inspiration

1. “The Meaning of the Qur’an” by Sayyid Abul A‘la Maududi
2. “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
3. “Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations” by Michael Sells
4. “Qur’an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective” by Amina Wadud
5. “The Divine Reality: God, Islam, and The Mirage of Atheism” by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis

May this discourse enrich your understanding and lead you towards deeper contemplation and scholarship.

Amina Al-Fahad

Published on October 10, 2023

In every dawn, there lies hope for knowledge and every sunset, a reflection of wisdom.