Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Qari’ah is a Makkan surah that speaks about the terror of the Day of Judgment and the fate of people according to their deeds. Allah describes the frightening events of that Day and explains that people will be judged by the weight of their good and bad deeds.
The Striking Calamity (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“Al-Qari’ah.
What is Al-Qari’ah?
And what will make you know what Al-Qari’ah is?”
(Qur’an 101:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Qari’ah is one of the names of the Day of Judgment. Other names for the Day of Judgment include Al-Haqqah, At-Tammah, As-Sakhkhah, and Al-Ghashiyah.
Allah repeats the question to increase the seriousness and fear of this Day.
The Condition of Creation on That Day (Verses 4–5)
Allah says:
“It is a Day whereon mankind will be like moths scattered about.
And the mountains will be like wool, carded.”
(Qur’an 101:4–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that people will be scattered and confused like moths flying in different directions. They will be bewildered because of the terror of what they witness.
Allah also describes the mountains, which appear firm and strong in this world. On that Day they will become like carded wool, meaning they will break apart and be scattered.
The Weighing of Deeds (Verses 6–7)
Allah says:
“Then as for him whose balance will be heavy,
He will live a pleasant life.”
(Qur’an 101:6–7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that a person whose good deeds outweigh his bad deeds will be successful. Such a person will live in a pleasant life in Paradise.
This shows that the final judgment will be based on the deeds that people bring on the Day of Resurrection.
The Fate of the One Whose Deeds Are Light (Verses 8–9)
Allah says:
“But as for him whose balance will be light,
His mother will be Hawiyah.”
(Qur’an 101:8–9)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that if a person’s bad deeds are greater than his good deeds, then his destination will be the Fire.
The phrase “his mother will be Hawiyah” means that the Hellfire will become his final abode. Some scholars explained that it means he will fall into the Fire headfirst.
The Reality of Hawiyah (Verses 10–11)
Allah says:
“And what will make you know what it is?
A fire Hamiyah.”
(Qur’an 101:10–11)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Hamiyah means an extremely intense and burning fire. It is a fire of severe heat and powerful flames.
The Prophet said:
“The fire of the Children of Adam that you all kindle is one part of the seventy parts of the fire of Hell.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
This shows how severe the punishment of the Hellfire is compared to the fire known in this world.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah al-Qari’ah (101).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah al-Qari’ah.