The Third Period in the Qur’anic Revelation - Nineteen Sūrahs Describing the Resurrection
Overview
The third period of the Qur’anic revelation encompasses nineteen sūrahs primarily describing the Resurrection, Paradise, and Hell. This period coincides with the growing opposition from the Quraish tribe against Muḥammad’s message, from the commencement of Muḥammad’s public ministry to the Abyssinian emigration.
Significant Sūrahs and Themes
Sūratu ʾl-Aʿlā (Chapter LXXXVII) - The Chapter of the Most High
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلْأَعْلَى
Turkish: En A’lâ Suresi
Key Points: This sūrah emphasizes that Muḥammad shall not forget the revelation, save what God pleases. It also affirms that the revelation is consistent with those given to Abraham and Moses.
Sūratu ʾl-Qadr (Chapter XCVII) - The Chapter of Power
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلْقَدْر
Turkish: Kadir Suresi
Key Points: This chapter celebrates the night the Qur’an was first revealed, known as Laylat al-Qadr. It highlights the night’s excellence and describes the descent of the angels.
Sūratu ʾl-G͟hāshiyah (Chapter LXXXVIII) - The Chapter of the Overwhelming
Arabic: سُورَة الغَاشِيَة
Turkish: Gâşiye Suresi
Key Points: The chapter offers vivid descriptions of the Last Day, Heaven, and Hell.
Sūratu ʿAbasa (Chapter LXXX) - The Chapter “He Frowned”
Arabic: سُورَة عَبَسَ
Turkish: Abese Suresi
Key Points: The rebuke of the Prophet for frowning upon a poor, blind believer, along with themes of Creation and Resurrection.
Sūratu ʾl-Inshiqāq (Chapter LXXXIV) - The Chapter of the Rending Asunder
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلإنْشِقَاق
Turkish: İnşikak Suresi
Key Points: Signs of Judgment Day, the books of men’s actions, and the Resurrection are described. It also includes a condemnation of disbelievers.
Sūratu ʾl-Takwīr (Chapter LXXXI) - The Chapter of the Folding-up
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلتَّكْوِير
Turkish: Tekvir Suresi
Key Points: Terrors of Judgment Day, the fate of murdered female children seeking justice, Gabriel’s vision on Mount Ḥirāʾ, and refutation of the Prophet’s madness.
Sūratu ʾt̤-T̤āriq (Chapter LXXXVI) - The Chapter of the Night Star
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلطَّارِق
Turkish: Târık Suresi
Key Points: By swearing by the night star, it speaks about every soul having a guardian, the creation, resurrection, and the foiling of infidel plots.
Sūratu ʾn-Naṣr (Chapter CX) - The Chapter of Help
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلنّصْر
Turkish: Nasr Suresi
Key Points: Prophecy regarding masses joining Islam.
Sūratu ʾl-Burūj (Chapter LXXXV) - The Chapter of the Zodiacal Signs
Arabic: سُورَة ٱلْبُرُوج
Turkish: Bürûc Suresi
Key Points: Denounces the persecution of believers, with examples like Pharaoh and S̤amūd.
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Etymology and Translation
Many of the sūras derive their names from key Arabic terms within the texts. Understanding the etymological background assists in grasping the thematic essence and contextual significance:
- Sūratu ʾl-Aʿlā: Derived from “Aʿlā” (الأعلى) meaning “The Most High”.
- Sūratu ʾl-Qadr: From “Qadr” (القدر) meaning “Power” or “Decree”.
- Sūratu ʾl-G͟hāshiyah: From “G͟hāshiyah” (الغاشية) meaning “The Overwhelming”.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Qur’an: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
Takeaways and Conclusion
The third period of the Qur’anic revelation focuses intensely on metaphysical themes such as the Resurrection, the divine judgment, and the afterlife, providing a theological counter-narrative to the material opposition from the Quraish tribe. By understanding these sūras, one gains insight into the spiritual and existential dimensions that shaped early Islam and the Muslim narrative about life’s ultimate reality and destiny.
Each sūrah carries elements of divine wisdom, ethical imperatives, and profound visions of human accountability that continue to resonate deeply in Islamic faith and thought.
