The Majestic Quran

79. An-Naziʿat The Snatchers This is an early Makkan chapter; its central theme is the Resurrection. The story of Pharaoh highlights why some people don’t believe: because of pride, selfishness and love of the world (15). The chapter opens with five oaths – five descriptive active participles that are enigmatic and unclear, making them difficult to translate. However, commentators have variously interpreted them as referring to warhorses, different winds, various stars, the souls of the righteous, and the angels. The evidence invoked here leads to the conclusion, “You will certainly be resurrected.” In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. R - 1 By the angels who snatch human souls, 2 the angels who take away human souls nimbly, 3 the angels floating naturally, 4 the angels speeding ahead, 5 the Angels managing Heavenly affairs. You will certainly be resurrected , 1 6 on the Day the Trumpet is sounded for the first time, 7 then followed by the second blast. 8 Hearts will beat fast that Day, 9 their eyes downcast. 10 Today they ask, “Will we be returned to our previous state, 11 when we are rotten bones?” 12 Commenting on it they say , “That would be a useless exercise!” 2 13 It will only take a single Trumpet blast, 14 and they will be back on open ground. T P 15 Has the story of Moses reached you? 16 When His Lord called out to him in the blessed valley of Tuwa: 17 “Go to the Pharaoh, he is arrogant, 18 and say to him , ‘Would you like to purify yourself spiritually ? 19 I shall guide you to your Lord so that you may be mindful.’” 20 So he showed him the greatest miracle, 21 but he denied and disobeyed; 22 then turned his back