The Majestic Quran

56. Al-Waqiʿah The Inevitable Event This Makkan chapter is paired with the previous chapter, which described two kinds of Paradise; here more details are provided. The Quraysh are challenged and warned of the dire consequences of their denial. After describing the cataclysmic events of the Final Hour and the coming to pass of Judgement Day, it describes the three groups into which humanity will be divided. The rest of the chapter deals with each one of them: the group blessed with the highest level of Paradise, people who struggled and strived with all their might to achieve the nearness of God; the group of the right hand, living in a delightful Paradise, but a rank below the first – their Paradise will be lesser compared to that of the foremost; and the third group, the people of the left hand, living in Hell. Followed by questions about the beginning and ending of life, they expose the folly of those who deny Resurrection, and urge the reader to examine closely some powerful phenomena. Who makes the semen? Who grows the seed when it is in the depths of the soil? Who sends the rain down? Who made the fire? The chapter teaches that human resurrection is similar to the birth of a baby created from a spermatozoon, nutritious cereals growing from a dead seed, flames of fire coming from wood, and rain from clouds enabling so much to live. Behind them all is the power of God. He creates and destroys what He wills. The frequent reference to Resurrection in the Quran is to remind people of the purpose of their lives, and to protect them from the deception of the fleeting world. The Quran wants to save humanity from falling into its trap. The rampant selfishness and individualism common in our society today can only be corrected by accepting resurrection. The belief that your