Part 2 – Divine Punishment and Human Arrogance
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Introduction
Surah Al-Haqqah was revealed in Mecca at the beginning of Islam, very close to the time of the revelation of Surah Mulk and Surah Qalam. This surah describes the Day of Judgement, which is similar to Surah Qalam. We need to understand why the Qur’an emphasises the Day of Judgement, and why it is important.
The reason is that Allah made the human being in a way that he always looks towards the future. People are made for another world. We live here in this world for a short period. We are not like animals who only think of the present, live, eat, and die. Humans have been given a mind, and they think about the future. Allah has given us the natural fitrah that thinks of the Day of Judgement, and we think of going to Paradise and Hellfire.
If your mind is convinced of the future, you will be mindful of your actions. If you believe that there is no future waiting for you, then you will not be mindful. But if you have this realisation that a future is waiting for you and the Day of Judgement is approaching, that the punishment of Allah is ahead of you, then you will not have the courage to face it, and you will become mindful of your actions.
That’s what the Qur’an teaches us that whatever we do in this life, we should do it keeping the Day of Judgement in mind. One day we will be judged. We should realise that the enjoyment of a sin will last only for a few moments, but its punishment will be much more severe.
For example, making fun of someone’s shortcomings, or the test Allah has put the person through, you might hurt them or laugh at their condition for your enjoyment, which will last only a few moments. But the punishment you will get on the Day of Judgement will be much more severe than you could have ever imagined.
The one who is mindful of the future will always be worried and will seek people’s forgiveness, saying sorry to them because he is worried about His Lord and the consequences of his actions. Such issues arise when we don’t keep the future in mind and don’t believe in the Day of Judgement. People exceed their limits and use the resources Allah has given them wrongly.
What happens then? Allah uses the same resources to punish them in this world and the next. If you have arrogance, ego, or wrongdoing in this world, anything can be used against you in this world and can destroy you. So be mindful of how you use these resources in life.
This is the history of mankind. Whenever human beings forgot the Day of Judgement and behaved improperly, they were punished.
Verse 1: Al-Haqqah means the reality, something which will truly happen, and nobody can change it.
Verse 2: Maa Al-Haqqah: “What is the reality?”
Verse 3: Wa maa adraka ma al-Haqqah?: “And what makes you know what the reality is?”
The Problem of Denial
The Qur’an uses three verses to convince your mind of the Day of Judgement. It forces us to think that it’s not something ordinary. Then, the Qur’an affirms that it is a true reality that we must believe in. If we don’t keep the future in mind, then the present will become corrupted. Everything has a purpose and a limit. If we exceed the limits, we will face the consequences.
After reminding us about the Hour, Allah mentions the stories of certain nations that the Quraysh were familiar with. These nations were mighty, strong, and rich, but they caused corruption in the land. As a result, Allah destroyed them.
The story of Thamud and ‘Aad: The Arabs knew both tribes. ‘Aad came before Thamud. They were powerful people who ruled over the entire Middle East from Egypt to Syria; it was all under their control. They were given a great civilisation, but they did not behave properly and did not listen to their messenger. So Allah destroyed them.
Then Allah created another powerful nation – Thamud. They had advanced technology, and Allah sent them Salih (AS), but they also caused corruption. As a result, Allah destroyed them. Both tribes did not believe in the Day of Judgement, so despite their power and strength, they were destroyed, and nothing was left of them. With just one command – Kun (Be) – they were gone.
Again, the Qur’an uses another attribute of the Day of Judgement–Al-Qari’ah–to remind us. The Qur’an does not use the pronoun for the Hour but rather another powerful attribute to emphasise that it is going to be devastating and striking.
The real problem we face is that we don’t truly believe in the Day of Judgement, even though we recite it every day in salah: “Maaliki Yawmid-Deen.” We have to believe in it. This Hour is inevitable, and nobody can change it. There will be no manipulation, hiding, or lying on that Day.
Lessons from ‘Ād and Thamūd
Thamud and ‘Aad both rejected this inevitable, striking Hour. They ruled the world, enjoyed life, and built palaces, yet they were destroyed. They achieved everything in the world, but despite that, they acted foolishly. And now, despite their might, they have become so insignificant that there is nothing left of them on this earth.
Thamud denied through taghwaha–they denied the Hour by crossing their limits. Tagha means exceeding limits in a rebellious way, thinking that no one can stop or defend against them.
Verse 5: Fa-amma Thamudu fa-uhliku bi al-taghiyah: “As for Thamud, they were destroyed by an overwhelming blast.”
Verse 6: “…Bi reehin sarsarin ‘atiyah: “…a very cold, violent wind came upon them.”
‘Atiyah: This wind came in a rebellious, forceful manner and destroyed their homes and everything else. Nothing remained. Allah appointed this wind upon them for seven nights and eight days, continuously.
In Surah Hud, verse 50, Allah says:
“We sent to ‘Aad their brother Hud. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.'”
They denied his call. Allah expressed His anger by cursing them in this world and until the Day of Judgement. Allah gives people time, and people assume they can do whatever they want, taking it for granted.
The Qur’an wants you to enter Paradise. If you make a mistake, repent, and Allah will forgive you. But do not rebel against Him.
Conclusion
In this part of the tafsir, we reflected on the powerful imagery and historical lessons that Allah presents to awaken our hearts to the reality of the Day of Judgement. The destruction of past nations like ‘Aad and Thamud serves as a warning for those who deny the truth and rebel against divine guidance. These verses not only remind us of Allah’s justice but also His mercy, as He gives every people time and opportunity to turn back to Him.
As we continue with the next part of the surah, we will explore how the Qur’an shifts the focus towards the fate of the believers and disbelievers on that Day, and the ultimate outcome awaiting every soul. May Allah open our hearts to internalise these messages and make us among those who prepare for the Day of Reality. Ameen
Wallāhu A‘lam.
References
Based on Shaykh Akram Nadwi’s Quranic Exegesis series
Islam is perfect, and any mistakes are solely mine. I take responsibility for my mistakes and seek your pardon for any errors I may have made. And Allah Knows Best!
