Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Infitar is a Makkan surah that describes the events that will occur at the beginning of the Day of Resurrection. Allah mentions the great changes that will happen in the universe and reminds mankind that every action is recorded and will be judged on that Day.
The Events of the Day of Resurrection (Verses 1–5)
Allah says:
“When the heaven is cleft asunder,
And when the stars Intatharat.
And when the seas Fujjirat.
And when the graves Bu’thirat.
a person will know what he has sent forward and what he left behind.”
(Qur’an 82:1–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the heaven being cleft asunder means it will split apart on the Day of Judgment.
The verse “when the stars fall and scatter” means the stars will fall from their places.
Allah then says “when the seas burst forth.” Ibn Abbas explained that Allah will cause parts of the seas to burst into others, while Qatadah said that their waters will mix together.
The verse “when the graves are turned over” means the graves will be opened and those inside them will be brought out.
When these events occur, every person will realize the reality of what they did in their life. They will know the deeds they sent forward and the actions they left behind.
A Warning to Mankind (Verses 6–8)
Allah says:
“O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous,
Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.
In whatever form He willed, He put you together.”
(Qur’an 82:6–8)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this statement is a warning and rebuke, not a question seeking an answer.
The meaning is that Allah is addressing the son of Adam and asking what deceived him so that he disobeyed his Lord and met Him with actions that were unbefitting.
Allah reminds mankind that He is the One who created them, perfected their form, and balanced their bodies. He fashioned them in the best shape and proportion.
The verse “In whatever form He willed, He put you together” means that Allah determines the appearance of each person. Mujahid explained that a child may resemble the father, the mother, or other relatives.
The Angels Recording Deeds (Verses 9–12)
Allah says:
“Nay! But you deny (the Day of) Ad-Din.
But verily, over you to watch you
Kiraman Katibin,
who know all that you do.”
(Qur’an 82:9–12)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that people only continue in disobedience because they deny the Day of Judgment and the reckoning.
However, Allah has placed guardian angels over every person. These angels are the Kiraman Katibin, the noble scribes who record all of a person’s actions.
They know everything that people do and write down their deeds, whether good or bad.
The Reward of the Righteous and the Punishment of the Wicked (Verses 13–16)
Allah says:
“Verily, the Abrar (the righteous believers) will be in Delight.
And verily, the wicked will be in the blazing Fire.
Therein they will enter, and taste its burning flame on the Day of Recompense.
And they will not be absent from it.”
(Qur’an 82:13–16)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the righteous believers are those who obeyed Allah and avoided disobedience. Their reward will be delight in Paradise.
The wicked, on the other hand, will be punished in the blazing Fire. They will enter Hell on the Day of Judgment and will not be absent from it even for a moment.
Their punishment will not be reduced, and they will not be granted relief from it.
The Reality of the Day of Recompense (Verses 17–19)
Allah says:
“And what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?
Again, what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?
It will be the Day when no person shall have power for another, and the decision that Day will be with Allah.”
(Qur’an 82:17–19)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the repetition of this question magnifies the seriousness of the Day of Judgment.
On that Day no one will have the ability to help another person unless Allah permits it. All authority and judgment will belong entirely to Allah.
The Prophet said:
“O children of Hashim! Save yourselves from the Fire, for I have no power to cause you any benefit from Allah.”
This shows that every person will stand before Allah responsible for their own deeds.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Infitar (82).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Infitar.