أَزِفَتِ ٱلْـَٔازِفَةُ 57
Translations
The Approaching Day has approached.
Transliteration
Azifati al-aazifah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that 'The Hour has drawn near,' referring to the Day of Judgment approaching its appointed time. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that while the exact time remains known only to Allah, the signs and portents indicate its proximity. This statement serves as a powerful warning to the believers of Makkah about the certainty and imminence of the final reckoning.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Najm is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet (peace be upon him) faced intense opposition. This ayah appears near the conclusion of the surah as part of the overall message emphasizing accountability and the reality of the Afterlife, which was a central theme in addressing the disbelievers' denial of resurrection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour and I have been sent like this,' making a gesture with his two fingers close together (Sahih Bukhari 4935). Additionally, the Quran states in Surah Al-Qamar 54:1 with similar wording about the Hour drawing near, emphasizing this recurring Quranic theme.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah instills in believers a sense of responsibility and vigilance regarding their deeds, as the Hour is drawing ever closer. It serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize spiritual preparation and righteous action rather than becoming complacent with worldly pursuits.
Related Ayahs
وَٱلْقَمَرِ إِذَا ٱتَّسَقَ
And [by] the moon when it becomes full
وَتَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَعِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
And blessed is He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them and with whom is knowledge of the Hour and to whom you will be returned.
فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ أَن تَأْتِيَهُم بَغْتَةً ۖ فَقَدْ جَآءَ أَشْرَاطُهَا ۚ فَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمْ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ذِكْرَىٰهُمْ
Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then how [i.e., what good] to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance?
نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَـٰهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَـٰعًا لِّلْمُقْوِينَ
We have made it a reminder and provision for the travelers,