Surah Al Waqiah Notes (57-67)

Source: Ibn Kathir

Proof that Resurrection will occur

(57) We created you, then why do you believe not?

Allah asserts that Resurrection will occur and refutes the misguided atheists who deny it, those who said,

(When we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be resurrected) ﴿56:47﴾ They said this statement in denial and discounting Resurrection. 

Allah the Exalted said,

(We created you,) meaning, `We have created you after you were nothing. Therefore, is not that Who is able to start the creation, more able to bring it back' Allah's statement,

(then why do you believe not) `why do you not then believe in Resurrection' Then Allah said while bringing forth evidence that Resurrection occurs,

(58) Then tell Me (about) the human semen that you emit.

(59) Is it you who create it (i.e. make this semen into a perfect human being), or are We the Creator?

(Do you not see the semen you emit. Is it you who create it, or are We the Creator) meaning, `do you make the semen remain in the wombs and create life from it therein, stage after stage Or is Allah the One Who does all this

(60) We have decreed death to you all, and We are not unable,

(We have decreed death to you all,) meaning, `We made death exist between you.' Ad-Dahhak commented, "Allah made the residents of the heavens and earth equal with regards to death.'' 

Allah said,

(and We are not outstripped,) meaning, `We are never unable,'

(61) To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not.

(To transfigure you), meaning, `to change your current shapes, on the Day of Resurrection,'

(and create you in that you know not.) meaning, `out of shapes and forms.' 

(62) And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam), why then do you not remember or take heed?

Allah the Exalted said,

(And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation, why then do you not remember) meaning, `you know that Allah has created you after you were nothing. He created you and gave you hearing, sight, and hearts. Will you not then remember and take heed that He Who is able to create you, in the beginning, is more able to bring you back and resurrect you to life anew' Allah the Exalted said in other Ayat,

(And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it, and this is easier for Him.)(30:27),

(Does not man remember that We created him before, while he was nothing)(19:67),

Allah's Oneness demonstrated by causing the Plants to grow, sending down the Rain and creating the Fire that Mankind needs

(63) Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground.

Allah the Exalted said,

(Do you not see what you sow.) in reference to tilling the earth and planting seeds inside it,

(64) Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower?

(Is it you that make it grow,) `do you cause these seeds to grow inside the earth,'

(or are We the Grower) Allah says, `rather it is We Who cause the seeds to remain firmly and grow inside the earth.' 

Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said, (Do not say, "Zara`tu (I made it grew),'' but say, "Harathtu (I sowed tilled).'') Abu Hurayrah added, "Have you not heard Allah's statement, (Do you not see what you sow. Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower)'' 

(65) Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment).

Allah the Exalted said,

(Were it Our will, We could crumble it to dry pieces,) meaning, `We caused the seeds to grow with Our compassion and mercy and left them intact inside the earth as a mercy for you. If We will, We would turn them dry before they ripen and get ready to be harvested,'

(66) (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramun (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)

(Saying:) "We are indeed Mughramun! Nay, but we are deprived!'') Allah says, `if We crumble the plants into dry pieces, you would be wondering regarding what happened, sometimes saying: we are indeed Mughramun, i.e., ruined.' 

Mujahid and `Ikrimah said that Mughramun means, being the subject of revenge. 

Qatadah commented, "You would say, `We were punished,' sometimes, and, `We were deprived,' some other times.'' `

Ikrimah said that `You will be Tafakkahun' means `You will blame each other (and yourselves),' or, feel sorrow, according to Al-Hasan, Qatadah, and As-Suddi. 

They will be feeling grief for what they spent or for the sins that they have committed in the past (which cost the destruction of their plants). 

Al-Kisa'i said, "Tafakkaha is both the synonym and the antonym.'' The Arabs say Tafakkahtu when they mean that they have enjoyed something or felt grief.

(67) "Nay, but we are deprived!"