AL-ḤĀQQAH (الحاقة)
Definition and Context
AL-ḤĀQQAH (الحاقة), often translated as “The surely Impending,” is the title of the sixty-ninth Sūrah (chapter) of the Qur’an. The term is significant within Islamic eschatology and is associated with the Day of Resurrection and Judgment.
Qur’anic Appearance
The word Al-Ḥāqqah occurs prominently in the first verse of Sūrah LXIX:
"The inevitable! (al-Ḥāqqatu!). What is the inevitable?"
This rhetorical question emphasizes the gravity and certainty of the event it describes—the Day of Resurrection and Judgment. Intriguingly, the term does not appear anywhere else in the Qur’an.
Etymology
The Arabic term الحاقة (Al-Ḥāqqah) derives from the root word حق (Ḥaqq), which generally means “truth” or “reality.” The root connotes something that is inevitable, absolute, or destined to happen, emphasizing the certainty and the consequential nature of the Day of Judgment.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الحاقة
- Turkish: El-Hakkah
Significance in Islamic Thought
The Sūrah Al-Ḥāqqah delves into themes of ultimate accountability and divine judgment. It seeks to remind believers of the impending day when all actions will be weighed and judged by Allah. This serves as both a warning and a reassurance to adhere strictly to the moral and ethical guidelines outlined by Islamic teachings.
Related Concepts
- Yawm al-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة): The Day of Resurrection.
- Mīzān (ميزان): The Scale used to weigh deeds.
- Jahannam (جهنم): Hell, the abode for those judged unfavorably.
- Jannah (جنة): Paradise, the ultimate reward for the righteous.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by Abdullah Saeed.
- “Approaching the Qur’án: The Early Revelations” by Michael Sells.
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
- “Understanding the Qur’án: Themes and Style” by Muhammad Abdel Haleem.
Takeaways
- Al-Ḥāqqah highlights the certainty of the Day of Judgment in Islamic eschatology.
- Derived from the root Ḥaqq, it underpins themes of truth and inevitability.
- The term stresses the importance of moral and ethical adherence in Islamic life, serving both as a warning and an encouragement for believers.
Conclusion
Al-Ḥāqqah (الحاقة) serves as a solemn reminder of the Day of Judgment, encapsulating the essence of ultimate truth and certainty within the Islamic worldview. Its unique appearance in the Qur’an underscores its profound significance and the gravity of its implications for humankind. Through understanding its meaning and context, believers are encouraged to reflect upon their actions and strive for a life of moral integrity.
By comprehensively understanding Al-Ḥāqqah and its implications within Islamic teaching, one gains deeper insight into the core principles of Islamic eschatology and moral philosophy.
