Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah An-Nazi’at is a Makkan surah that speaks about the reality of the Resurrection, the punishment of those who deny it, and the reward for those who fear Allah. The surah begins with oaths taken by Allah and then describes the terror of the Day of Judgment. It also mentions the story of Musa and Fir’awn as a lesson for those who reject the truth.
The Angels Who Carry Out Allah’s Commands (Verses 1–5)
Allah says:
“By those who pull out, drowning.
By those who free briskly.
And by the swimmers, swimming.
And by the racers, racing.
And by those who arrange affairs.”
(Qur’an 79:1–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these verses refer to the angels.
The angels remove the souls of people at death. Some souls are taken with difficulty, as if the person were drowning during its removal, while others are taken gently and quickly.
The angels move swiftly in obedience to Allah’s commands and carry out His decrees. They race to fulfill what they have been commanded and arrange the affairs of creation by Allah’s permission.
The Terror of the Day of Judgment (Verses 6–14)
Allah says:
“On the Day the Rajifah shakes,
followed by the Radifah.
Hearts that Day will tremble.
Their vision humiliated.”
(Qur’an 79:6–9)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the Rajifah and the Radifah refer to the two blasts of the Trumpet.
• The Rajifah and the Radifah are the two blasts of the Trumpet, the first and the second, as Ibn ‘Abbas explained them.
On that Day, people’s hearts will be terrified, and their eyes will be humiliated and lowered because of the horrors they will witness.
The disbelievers used to mock the resurrection. They would say:
“Shall we indeed be brought back from Al-Hafirah?
Even after we are bones Nakhirah?”
(Qur’an 79:10–11)
They believed resurrection was impossible after their bodies had turned to dust. But Allah says that it will only take a single command, and suddenly all people will be standing alive again upon the earth.
The Story of Musa and Fir’awn (Verses 15–26)
Allah says:
“Has there come to you the story of Musa?
When his Lord called him in the holy valley of Tuwa.”
(Qur’an 79:15–16)
Explanation
Allah sent Musa to Fir’awn, who had become arrogant and transgressed all limits. Musa was commanded to call him to purification and guide him to fear Allah.
Musa showed Fir’awn clear miracles and signs, but Fir’awn denied the truth and disobeyed. Instead of accepting the message, he gathered his people and declared:
“I am your lord, most high.”
(Qur’an 79:24)
Because of his arrogance and disbelief, Allah punished him severely and made him an example for others.
Ibn Kathir explains that this story is a lesson for anyone who fears Allah, showing what happens to those who reject His messengers.
Proof of Resurrection from Creation (Verses 27–33)
Allah says:
“Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He constructed?”
(Qur’an 79:27)
Explanation
Allah reminds the disbelievers that the creation of the heavens and the earth is far greater than the creation of human beings.
Allah raised the sky, made the night dark, brought forth the daylight, spread the earth, brought out its water and vegetation, and fixed the mountains firmly.
All of this was created as provision and benefit for mankind and their animals. If Allah has the power to create these great things, then resurrecting people after death is even easier.
The Final Destiny of People (Verses 34–41)
Allah says:
“But when there comes the Greatest Catastrophe.”
(Qur’an 79:34)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this refers to the Day of Judgment, which will overwhelm everything with its terror.
On that Day, every person will remember the deeds they performed in this life. Hell will be made clearly visible to everyone.
Those who transgressed and preferred the life of this world will have Hell as their final abode.
But those who feared standing before their Lord and restrained themselves from sinful desires will have Paradise as their final home.
The Knowledge of the Hour (Verses 42–46)
Allah says:
“They ask you about the Hour when will be its appointed time?”
(Qur’an 79:42)
Explanation
The disbelievers asked the Prophet about the exact time of the Day of Judgment.
Allah tells the Prophet that its knowledge belongs only to Allah. No human or angel knows when it will happen.
The Prophet’s mission is only to warn those who fear it.
When people finally see the Day of Judgment, their entire life in this world will feel extremely short, as if they had stayed only an afternoon or a morning.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah An-Nazi’at (79).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah An-Nazi’at.