Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah An-Naba is a Makkan surah that speaks about the Day of Judgment and the resurrection after death. The people of Makkah doubted that they would be brought back to life after dying. In this surah, Allah reminds them of His power in creation and warns them about the reality of the Day when all people will be judged.
The Great News (Verses 1–5)
Allah says
“What are they asking about?
About the great news, about which they are in disagreement.”
(Qur’an 78:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the “great news” refers to the resurrection and the Day of Judgment. The people differed about it. Some believed in it while others denied it. Allah therefore warned them:
“Nay, they will come to know!
Nay, again, they will come to know!”
(Qur’an 78:4–5)
This repetition is a strong warning to those who deny the Hereafter.
Signs of Allah’s Power in Creation (Verses 6–16)
Allah says
“Have We not made the earth as a bed,
and the mountains as pegs?”
(Qur’an 78:6–7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah made the earth stable for people to live upon. The mountains were placed like pegs so that the earth would remain firm and not shake.
Allah also created human beings in pairs:
“And We have created you in pairs.”
(Qur’an 78:8)
Meaning male and female, through whom reproduction occurs.
Allah then mentions the blessings that organize human life:
“And We have made your sleep as a thing for rest.
And We have made the night as a covering.
And We have made the day for livelihood.”
(Qur’an 78:9–11)
Ibn Kathir explains that sleep allows the body to recover after effort and activity during the day.
The Creation of the Heavens and Rain (Verses 12–16)
Allah says
“And We have built above you seven strong.
And We have made (therein) a shining lamp.
And We have sent down from the Mu’sirat water Thajjaj.”
(Qur’an 78:12–14)
Explanation
The “shining lamp” refers to the sun. Allah sends rain from the clouds, and through it vegetation and crops grow.
“That We may produce therewith grains and vegetations,
And gardens that are Alfaf.”
(Qur’an 78:15–16)
These signs show Allah’s power. The One who created all of this is certainly able to resurrect the dead.
The Day of Decision (Verses 17–20)
Allah says
“Verily, the Day of Decision is a fixed time.”
(Qur’an 78:17)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the Day of Judgment has an appointed time known only to Allah.
“The Day when the Trumpet will be blown, and you shall come forth in crowds.”
(Qur’an 78:18)
People will be gathered in groups, each nation coming with its messenger.
Allah then describes the changes that will happen to the universe:
“And the heaven shall be opened, and it will become as gates.
And the mountains shall be moved away from their places and they will be as if they were a mirage.”
(Qur’an 78:19–20)
The mountains will disappear until no trace of them remains.
The Punishment of the Disbelievers (Verses 21–30)
Allah says
“Truly, Hell is a place of ambush,
A dwelling place for the Taghun.”
(Qur’an 78:21–22)
Explanation
Hell has been prepared as the destination of those who rejected the messengers and denied the signs of Allah.
“Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink.
Except Hamim, and Ghassaq.”
(Qur’an 78:24–25)
Ibn Kathir explains that boiling water refers to extremely hot liquid, while ghassaq refers to the foul fluid that comes from the people of Hell.
This punishment is a just recompense because they denied the signs of Allah and refused to believe they would be brought to account.
The Reward of the Righteous (Verses 31–36)
Allah says
“Verily, for those who have Taqwa, there will be a success.”
(Qur’an 78:31)
Explanation
Those who feared Allah and obeyed Him will enter Paradise.
“Hada’iq and vineyards,
And Kawa’ib Atrab,
And a cup Dihaq.”
(Qur’an 78:32–34)
In Paradise there will be no false speech or sinful talk.
“No Laghw shall they hear therein, nor lying.”
(Qur’an 78:35)
Everything in Paradise will be pure and peaceful.
The Reality of the Day of Judgment (Verse 38)
Allah says
“The Day that Ar-Ruh and the angels will stand forth in rows, they will not speak except him whom Ar-Rahman allows, and he will speak what is right.”
(Qur’an 78:38)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the Spirit refers to the angel Jibril. On that Day the angels will stand in rows, and no one will speak unless Allah allows him to speak.
The Final Warning (Verses 39–40)
Allah says
“Verily, We have warned you of a near torment.”
(Qur’an 78:40)
Explanation
On that Day every person will see the deeds that he sent forward.
When the disbeliever sees the punishment prepared for him, he will say:
“Woe to me! Would that I were dust!”
Ibn Kathir explains that after Allah judges between the animals, they will be turned into dust. When the disbeliever sees this, he will wish he had been dust instead of being held accountable for his deeds.
Continue Reading
Next: Surah An-Nazi’at →
References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah An-Naba (78).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah An-Naba.