Al-Infitar

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah is dedicated entirely to proving the certainty of the Resurrection and Judgment. It achieves this by describing the cosmic collapse that precedes the Hour, questioning humanity's ingratitude, and confirming that all deeds are recorded by angels for the inevitable day of recompense.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus.

Context: The surah was revealed early in the Prophet’s mission to confront the polytheists' denial of the Resurrection and to emphasize accountability for their actions.

Chronology: It is counted as the 82nd surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Nāziʿāt and before al-Inshiqāq.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known both as "Sūrat al-Infiṭār" (The Cleaving/Splitting) and "Sūrat Idhā al-samā’u infaṭarat" (When the Sky has Cleaved), for its opening ayah.

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) recommended reading this surah for anyone who wished to visualize the Day of Judgment as if seeing it with their own eyes.

Ayah Count: 19 ayahs by consensus.

Surah Overview:

• Affirming the certainty of the Resurrection and describing the cosmic and earthly terrors that precede it. [1-5]
• Directly questioning humankind about their ingratitude and what has caused them to be deluded concerning their Lord. [6-8]
• Establishing that human deeds are meticulously recorded by noble scribes for the Day of Judgment. [9-12]
• Describing the two final destinations: the bliss of the righteous and the Hellfire of the wicked. [13-18]
• Warning people that no soul can intercede or be helped on the Day of Judgment, when all authority belongs to Allah. [19]