The Overwhelming
88 Al Ghashiyah, Meccan Period
This chapter opens with a statement of shock value: something is going to happen that will overwhelm all it touches. Then the verses proceed to describe the state of people in both Hellfire and Heaven. The implication being that there are only two possible fates after Judgment Day. God’s signs are then offered as proof for this concept. The chapter closes with the instruction to Muhammad that while he must preach, he needn’t worry if people listen or not. That is for God to handle.
In the Name of God,
the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Have you heard about the Overwhelming (event)? (1) It’s the Day when some faces will be downcast, (2) looking worn and haggard (3) as they’re herded into a raging blaze. (4) They’ll quench their thirst from a boiling spring (5) and eat nothing but bitter thorn (6) which neither nourishes nor satisfies. (7)
But other faces that Day will be overjoyed, (8) and pleased, for they never gave in (to the temptations of the world). (9) Residing within high gardens, (10) hearing no foolish talk. (11) A bubbling spring will flow [1] (12) around high thrones of honor, (13) with cups placed (14) and cushions arranged (15) on rich carpets spread. (16)
Don’t (the skeptics) ever gaze at the moisture-laden clouds [2] and ponder over their formation, (17) or at the skies and how they’ve been raised up high, [3] (18) or at the fastness of the mountains (19) or how the land is spread out? (20)
So remind them, for it’s your job to remind them, (21) even though you’re not their manager. (22) As for the one who rejects (the truth) and turns away, (23) God will surely punish him, and the punishment of God is most severe. (24) All things will return back to Us, (25) and then We’re going to review (all the records). (26)
[1] The Prophet once described Paradise by saying, “The rivers of Paradise will flow from hills of musk. Paradise will have lofty thrones with houries (pleasure-mates) sitting on them. When the people of Paradise want to sit on the thrones, they will come down from them. They will also enjoy delightful drinks from cups placed in an orderly fashion.”
[2] The Arabic term ibil can mean either puffy rain clouds or camels, depending on the context (Lisan al- ‘Arab, etc…) I have chosen to render it as clouds given the context of the items that follow (such as the sky and the mountains). Either choice is correct, though some translators prefer the use of the word camel.
[3] Also see 50:6 where the sky is also referenced as a sign of abiding wonder.
