Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Inshiqaq is a Makkan surah that speaks about the events of the Day of Judgment and the return of mankind to Allah. The surah describes the changes that will occur in the heavens and the earth when the Resurrection begins, and it reminds mankind that every person will meet the results of their deeds. It also explains the difference between those who receive their record in their right hand and those who receive it behind their backs.
The Heaven Splitting Apart (Verses 1–5)
Allah says:
“When the heaven is split asunder,
And listens to and obeys its Lord — and it must do so.
And when the earth is stretched forth,
And has cast out all that was in it and became empty.
And listens to and obeys its Lord — and it must do so.”
(Qur’an 84:1–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these events will occur on the Day of Judgment. The heaven will split apart when Allah commands it to do so. It will listen to its Lord and obey His command, and it must obey Him because everything in creation is completely submissive to Allah.
The earth will also change. It will be stretched out and expanded, and it will throw out everything that was inside it. The dead will come out from their graves, and the earth will empty itself of them.
The statement that the heaven and the earth listen and obey their Lord shows that all of creation submits to the command of Allah.
The Return of Mankind to Allah (Verse 6)
Allah says:
“O man! Verily, you are returning towards your Lord with your deeds and actions, a sure returning, and you will meet.”
(Qur’an 84:6)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse means that every human being is striving and working throughout life, and eventually he will meet Allah along with the deeds that he performed.
Whatever a person does, whether good or evil, he will encounter it on the Day of Judgment.
Ibn Abbas said that the meaning of this verse is that whatever deed a person performs, he will meet Allah with it.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ reported that Jibril said:
“O Muhammad! Live how you wish, for verily you will die; love what you wish, for verily you will part with it; and do what you wish, for verily you will meet it (your deed).”
This means that every action a person performs will eventually be presented to him.
The Easy Reckoning for the Believer (Verses 7–9)
Allah says:
“Then as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand,
He surely will receive an easy reckoning,
And will return to his family Masrur (in joy).”
(Qur’an 84:7–9)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the believer who receives his book in his right hand will have an easy reckoning.
This does not mean that every small detail of his deeds will be examined. Rather, his deeds will simply be presented to him.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever is interrogated during the reckoning, then he will be punished.”
When Aishah asked about the verse that says the believer will have an easy reckoning, the Prophet explained that this refers to the presentation of deeds, not a detailed interrogation.
After this, the believer will return to his family in Paradise happy and joyful because of the reward Allah has given him.
The Punishment for the Disbeliever (Verses 10–15)
Allah says:
“But whosoever is given his Record behind his back,
He will invoke destruction,
And he shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste its burning.
Verily, he was among his people in joy.
Verily, he thought that he would never return.
Yes! Verily, his Lord has been ever beholding him.”
(Qur’an 84:10–15)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the disbeliever will receive his book behind his back. His hand will be bent behind him and he will be given the record of his deeds in his left hand.
When he sees his record, he will call out for destruction because of the punishment that awaits him.
The reason for his punishment is that he used to live among his people in happiness and comfort, but he did not think about the consequences of his actions and did not believe that he would be returned to Allah.
However, Allah was always watching him and aware of everything he did.
The Oaths of Allah (Verses 16–19)
Allah says:
“But no! I swear by Ash-Shafaq,
And the night and what it Wasaqa,
And the moon when it Ittasaq.
You shall certainly travel from stage to stage.”
(Qur’an 84:16–19)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Ash-Shafaq refers to the red light that appears in the sky after sunset.
Allah also swears by the night and what it gathers, meaning the creatures and things that gather during the night.
He also swears by the moon when it becomes full.
These oaths emphasize that human beings will move from stage to stage. ‘Ikrimah said it means: weaned after he was breastfeeding, and an old man after he was a young man. Al-Hasan Al-Basri said it means: ease after difficulty and difficulty after ease, wealth after poverty and poverty after wealth, and health after sickness and sickness after health.
The Rejection of the Disbelievers (Verses 20–25)
Allah says:
“What is the matter with them, that they believe not?
And when the Qur’an is recited to them, they fall not prostrate.
Nay, those who disbelieve deny.
And Allah knows best what they gather,
So, announce to them a painful torment.
Save those who believe and do righteous good deeds, for them is a reward that will never come to an end.”
(Qur’an 84:20–25)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah criticizes the disbelievers for refusing to believe even when the Qur’an is recited to them.
Instead of humbling themselves and prostrating out of respect and submission, they reject the truth.
However, Allah knows what they hide in their hearts, and He has prepared a painful punishment for them.
Those who believe and perform righteous deeds are different. They will receive a reward in the Hereafter that will never end and will never decrease.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Inshiqaq.