Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Waqi?ah. [364] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/450.
Virtues and characteristics
It was narrated that Jabir ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr Al-Waqi?ah and similar surahs. [365] Narrated by Ahmad, 20995; Ibn Khuzaymah, 531; Ibn Hibban, 1823.
?Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Waqi?ah is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [366] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Ibn ?Atiyyah and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/216; Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/450.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Affirming the resurrection and the requital; a reminder of the Day of Resurrection; describing the categories into which people will be divided on that day. [367] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/450; Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr, 3/52; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 27/337.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Waqi?ah include:
Reminding people of the Day of Resurrection and mentioning some of its terrors; explaining how people will be divided into different categories on that day, and the fate of each category.
Manifestations of Allah?s might, the vastness of His mercy, and the greatness of His bounty.
Affirming that the Qur?an was revealed from Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, and that it is a blessing that Allah bestowed on people, but they did not give thanks for it and they disbelieved what is in it.
Describing the approach of death, the condition of the dying and the categories into which they fall, and the consequences for each category.