Al-Qāriʿah (القارعة)
Definition and Context
Al-Qāriʿah (القارعة) - Translated as “The Striking” or “The Calamity,” Al-Qāriʿah is the title of the 101st chapter (Sūrah) of the Qur’an. The opening verses of this chapter powerfully describe the unsettling and terrifying nature of Al-Qāriʿah, stating: “The Striking! What is the Striking? And what can make you know what is the Striking?” (Qur’an 101:1-3).
Etymology
The Arabic term القارعة (Al-Qāriʿah):
- Arabic: القارعة
- Transliteration: Al-Qāriʿah
- Meaning: The term “Qari’ah” derives from the root word قَرَعَ (qara’a), which means “to strike” or “to knock.” It emphasizes the overwhelming and sudden nature of the calamity associated with the Last Day.
Islamic Eschatology and Theological Significance
In Islamic theology, Al-Qāriʿah is one of the numerous names given to the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah), underscoring the awesome and fearsome nature of this ultimate event. Renowned Islamic scholars such as Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī and others have elucidated that this term symbolizes the profound terror and disruption that will strike all creatures’ hearts.
Qur’anic Descriptions
- The Terrifying Calamity: Al-Qāriʿah encapsulates the idea of a sudden, overwhelming event that shakes the very essence of creation. The Qur’anic verses continue to provide vivid imagery of this day, indicating mountains being pulverized and people acting like scattered moths due to the intensity of the event.
- Reckoning: The Sūrah goes on to describe the weighing of deeds, signifying that the Day of Judgment is a day of ultimate reckoning, wherein individuals’ actions are assessed with precision.
Cultural and Practical Implications
For Muslims, the concept of Al-Qāriʿah serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the certainty of divine judgment. It reinforces the need for piety, righteousness, and preparedness for the afterlife. This eschatological awareness significantly influences ethical and moral behavior within the Islamic worldview.
Books for Further Study
To dive deeper into the concept of Al-Qāriʿah and its implications in Islamic thought, the following texts are highly recommended:
- “The End of the World: The Major and Minor Signs of the Hour” by Dr. Muhammad al-‘Awlaki
- “The Last Day” by Al-Ghazāli
- “Tafsir Ibn Kathir” (Commentary on the Qur’an) by Ibn Kathir
- “The Hereafter (Al-Akhirah)” by Harun Yahya
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Qāriʿah serves as a sobering concept in Islam, signifying the inevitability and severity of the Last Day. It calls Muslims to reflect on their actions and align themselves with righteousness, highlighting the temporal nature of worldly life and the importance of being conscious of divine accountability.
Understanding Al-Qāriʿah enriches one’s comprehension of Islamic eschatology and inspires a heightened sense of spiritual awareness and ethical conduct. It reminds every believer of the ultimate reality that awaits and the importance of preparing for it through unwavering faith and good deeds.
By understanding and internalizing the meaning and significance of Al-Qāriʿah, one gains a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of Islamic theology and its profound impact on the lives of adherents.
