⚡ Unveiling The Striking Day: Understanding AL-QĀRIʿAH (القارعة)
Definition
AL-QĀRIʿAH (القارعة). “The Striking.” This term is the title of the 101st Sūrah of the Qurʾān. The Sūrah begins alarmingly with, “The Striking! What is the Striking? And what shall make thee understand how terrible the striking will be.”
Etymology and Origin
The term “Al-Qāriʿah” is derived from the root ق-ر-ع (Q-R-ʿ) in Arabic, which connotes the idea of striking, beating, or knocking. This linguistic root underscores the forceful imagery conveyed in the Sūrah.
Background
Sūrah Al-Qāriʿah, also known as “The Calamity” or “The Clatterer,” is part of the late Meccan period of revelation. This period often focuses on eschatological themes—warning of the imminent Day of Judgment, emphasizing individual accountability, and urging people towards righteousness.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultural Differences:
- In Islam, the striking day symbolizes a cataclysmic event, emphasizing divine judgment, repentance, and moral rectitude.
- Comparatively, different cultures and religions have their respective understandings and symbolic representations of the final day or doomsday—such as the Christian Armageddon or the Hindu Pralaya.
Cultural Similarities:
- Many religious traditions share the theme of a final judgment day where humanity is held accountable for its deeds.
- They emphasize virtue, justice, and the transformational nature of such events on the spiritual and moral consciousness of individuals.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Yawm ad-Dīn (Day of Judgment)
- Al-Sāʿah (The Hour)
- As-Sākhkhah (The Deafening Blast)
Antonyms:
- Rāḥa (Comfort, Ease)
- Salāmah (Peacefulness, Safety)
Related Terms
- Yawm al-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة): The Day of Resurrection, another term for the Day of Judgment in Islamic theology.
- As-Sāʿah (الساعة): The Hour referring to the moment when the final trumpet will sound, marking the beginning of the Day of Judgment.
- Al-Sākhkhah (الصاخة): The Deafening Blast, indicating the loud sound that will signal the Final Day.
Fascinating Facts
- Numerical Reference: Al-Qāriʿah is the 101st Sūrah of the Qurʾān, emphasizing the gravity of The Striking Day.
- Symbolism: The imagery in Al-Qāriʿah symbolizes dread, accountability, and an inescapable future event for humanity.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Jalālu ʾd-dīn: “Al-Qāriʿah is one of the epithets given to the last day, because it will strike the hearts of all creatures with terror.”
- Ibn Kathir: “This Sūrah captures the unsettling scene of the Day of Judgment and its overwhelming power.”
Suggested Literature and Sources
- “The Quran Translation” by M. H. Shakir
- “Islamic Eschatology: Forms of Finality” by David Cook
- “Introduction to the Qur’an” by William Montgomery Watt
- Tafsir al-Jalalayn - a widely read exegesis by Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti.
Explore these sources to understand the finer details of Qur’anic interpretation and eschatology.
Inspirational Thought: The striking message of Sūrah Al-Qāriʿah (القارعة) beckons us to reflect deeply on our actions and their eternal consequences. In understanding these profound eschatological themes, we become more mindful of our moral responsibilities.
Yours in knowledge, Amina Al-Fahad October 3, 2023
