al-Wāqi‘ah

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

إِذَا وَقَعَتِ الْوَاقِعَةُ

لَيْسَ لِوَقْعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ

1. When the Great Event [Resurrection] befalls.

2. There can be no denial of its befalling.

As reflected in numerous Qur’anic Verses, the Events of Resurrection are initially accompanied by great and shocking happenings. The blessed Chapter in question focuses on Resurrection and similar Events are being enumerated in its opening Verses, e.g.

"When the Great Even befalls, There can be no denial of its befalling"

since the Events preceding Resurrection shall be so shocking and awakening that their manifestations shall be reflected in all the constituent elements of the world. The Arabic word waqi‘a:

("event")

alludes to Resurrection, since it is inevitable. The word is also regarded as one of the designations of Resurrection. Some Qur’anic exegetes maintain that the Arabic word kadhiba is employed in the infinitive sense connoting that befalling of Resurrection shall be so crystal clear that it leaves no room for denial and discussion. Some Qur’anic exegetes hold that it is used in its literal present participial sense saying that it reflects that befalling that Day is inevitable and there shall be no denial of the same.

It is worthy of note that following the blessed Qur’anic Verses on Divine Graciousness as attested in Chapter 55 (Surah al-Rahman) serve as a reminder of Resurrection which is owing to His Attribute of Graciousness and also designates that the posthumous survival of man constitutes the most exalted Emanation of His Graciousness. According to some Qur’anic exegetes, the designation of the blessed Chapter alludes to the multiplicity of hardships to be inflicted at the Time. It is a source of encouragement for people to prepare themselves for such hard Day.