WĀQIʿAH (واقعة)
Definition
WĀQIʿAH (واقعة) is an Arabic term which literally translates to “the inevitable.” The term has multifaceted meanings within the Islamic context:
- An accident or an unavoidable circumstance in everyday life.
- A significant reference to the Day of Judgment.
- The title of the 56th Sūrah (Chapter) of the Qurʾān, entitled Sūrah Al-Wāqiʿah.
Etymology
The Arabic root of WĀQIʿAH (واقعة) comes from the verb وَقَعَ (waqa’a), meaning “to fall” or “to happen.” The noun form وَاقِعَة (waqi’ah) signifies an event that is certain to occur or an inevitable happening.
Qur’anic Significance
The term is notably mentioned in the Qurʾān in Sūrah Al-Wāqiʿah. The importance of WĀQIʿAH in the Qur’an underscores its eschatological significance related to the Day of Judgment:
<p>“When the inevitable happens, none shall call its happening a lie.” (Qur’an, Sūrah Al-Wāqiʿah, 56:1-2)</p>
Sūrah Al-Wāqiʿah details the events of the Day of Judgment, describing the fate of both the blessed and the damned.
Title of the 56th Sūrah
Sūrah Al-Wāqiʿah (The Inevitable) is the 56th chapter of the Qurʾān. It is a Meccan Sūrah with 96 verses, addressing various eschatological themes:
- The division of people into three classes (the Foremost, the Companions of the Right, and the Companions of the Left).
- The reward and punishment awaiting individuals based on their deeds.
Usage in Islamic Context
The term WĀQIʿAH frequently appears in religious scholarship and discussions about human fate and destiny, often emphasizing the inevitability of divine events and judgments.
Turkish Translation
In Turkish, WĀQIʿAH is “Vakıa”, maintaining its original meaning as it relates to both events and eschatological concepts.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Introduction to the Qur’an by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- Tafsir Al Jalalayn by Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti
- The Message of the Qur’an by Muhammad Asad
Takeaways
- WĀQIʿAH primarily denotes something inevitable, both in mundane and spiritual senses.
- It holds a significant eschatological role, particularly in describing the Day of Judgment.
- It is the title of a critical chapter in the Qur’an, exploring themes of divine judgment and human destiny.
Conclusion
WĀQIʿAH (واقعة) presents a profound concept in Islamic theology, symbolizing the certainty of divine events and the ultimate Day of Judgment. Understanding its multi-layered meanings enriches the comprehension of Islamic eschatological beliefs and the Qur’anic narrative.
