The Majestic Quran

88. Al-Ghashiyah The Awe-inspiring Event This chapter was revealed in the middle Makkan period. The three fundamental doctrines of Islam are emphasised. The Day of Judgement is introduced in an unusual manner: “Has the news of the Overwhelming Event reached you?” This is followed by a harrowing account of what will happen to the disbeliever who toiled, struggled and worked hard in his life but ignored God, and never thought about the Hereafter. This is contrasted with the fate of a believer who worked to please his Lord. Humanity is invited to enjoy the delights of Paradise, its elegant surroundings, its comforts and luxuries. The price is strong faith. To conclude, the chapter comforts the Prophet r by telling him not to worry, since he cannot compel people to believe. His mission is to remind: “To Us is their final return, then it will be up to Us to call them to account” (25– 26). In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. T 1 Has news of the Awe-inspiring Event reached you? 2 Some faces that Day will be humbled, 3 looking tired and exhausted. 4 They will walk into an intensely-hot Fire, 5 and drink from a boiling water spring. 6 They will have no food except bitter thorns, 7 which won’t nourish or satisfy their hunger. T P 8 Some faces that Day will be beautiful and bright, 9 well-pleased with their efforts, 10 living in an elegant Garden, 11 where they won’t hear any idle chat, 12 watered by a flowing spring, 13 furnished with raised and