Commentary · Quran
Surah 101: The CalamityThe Calamity
If you don’t know me, my name is Rachel, and these are my scripture notes on the Quran. The ayat are presented sequentially in English and Arabic, followed by my commentary. Think of it as a living midrash: whenever I learn something new, I add a note. My notes draw from an eclectic range of ancient sources, both Jewish and Gentile. See my about page for more.
I’ve used Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall’s 1930 translation of the Quran’s meanings since it’s both public domain and very pretty.
Surah 101: The Calamity, The Stunning Blow, The Disaster, The Terrible Calamityسُورَةُ القَارِعَةِ
1The Calamity! 2What is the Calamity? 3Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Calamity is! 4A day wherein mankind will be as thickly-scattered moths 5And the mountains will become as carded wool. 6Then, as for him whose scales are heavy (with good works), 7He will live a pleasant life. 8But as for him whose scales are light, 9A bereft and Hungry One will be his mother, 10Ah, what will convey unto thee what she is! - 11Raging Fire.
1بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٱلْقَارِعَةُ 2مَا ٱلْقَارِعَةُ 3وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلْقَارِعَةُ 4يَوْمَ يَكُونُ ٱلنَّاسُ كَٱلْفَرَاشِ ٱلْمَبْثُوثِ 5وَتَكُونُ ٱلْجِبَالُ كَٱلْعِهْنِ ٱلْمَنفُوشِ 6فَأَمَّا مَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ 7فَهُوَ فِى عِيشَةٍۢ رَّاضِيَةٍۢ 8وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ 9فَأُمُّهُۥ هَاوِيَةٌۭ 10وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا هِيَهْ 11نَارٌ حَامِيَةٌۢ