What is Inevitable - explained in one of the most philosophically powerful verses in the Qur’an

The wealth, position and status of man has much too often a blinding effect on the intellect and wisdom of the man. When elevated to an elitist class, man in his own arrogance of being at a position much above the others, loses sight of the realities and the temporary nature of one's status, wealth and even life. To such people, are also included the atheists who do not believe in the existence of any gods or deities and the life of the hereafter. This position is characterized by a lack of belief in supernatural beings rather than necessarily a claim of absolute knowledge. Thus Atheists actively deny the existence of God or simply lack a belief in Him. 

This was also the mindset of the polytheists of Makkah who in the formatting days of Islam out rightly rejected the existence of One God and the concept of the Resurrection - the act of rising from the dead or returning to life. In order to refute their misconception, the very two verses of Surah 56. Al-Wāqi‘ah were revealed which are considered as one of the most philosophically powerful verses in the Qur’an. In just a few words, they collapse denial, shatter complacency, and answer the deepest objections to God and the Hereafter — not by scientific argument, but by existential certainty.

The Verses

إِذَا وَقَعَتِ الْوَاقِعَةُ ۝ لَيْسَ لِوَقْعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ

Idhā waqa‘ati al-wāqi‘ah — laysa li-waq‘atihā kādhibah

“When the Inevitable Event occurs — there will be no denying its occurrence.”

Opening the discourse with this sentence "and then there will be no one to deny its occurrence" by itself signifies that this is an answer to the objections that were being raised in the disbelievers’ conferences against Resurrection. This was the time when the people of Makkah had just begun to hear the invitation to Islam from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In it what seemed most astonishing and remote from reason to them was that the entire system of the earth and heavens would one day be overturned and then another world would be set up in which all the dead, of the former and the latter generations, would be resurrected. Bewildered they would ask: This is just impossible! Where will this earth, these oceans, these mountains, this moon and sun go? How will the centuries-old dead bodies rise up to life? How can one in his senses believe that there will be another life after death and there will be gardens of Paradise and the fire of Hell? Such were the misgivings that were being expressed at that time everywhere in Makkah. It was against this background that it was said: When the inevitable event happens, there shall be no one to belie it.

Let’s unpack how these two verses directly confront polytheistic, atheistic and materialist objections.

Meaning of the Two Verses

• Verse 1 — “When the Inevitable Event occurs” الْوَاقِعَة (al-Wāqi‘ah)
• In this verse the word Wāqi‘ahh (event) has been used for Resurrection, which nearly means the same thing as the English word inevitable, signifying thereby that it is something that must come to pass. Then, its happening has been described by the word Wāqi‘ah, which is used for the sudden occurrence of a disaster. 
• This verse just not foretell of “an event” — but an event that is Certain to happen and already decided. This event is thus inescapable.
• The Qur’an names the Day of Judgment as if it has already happened.
• This is Qur’ānic language of certainty.
• Philosophical point: The Hereafter is not hypothetical — it is part of reality’s structure.
• Verse 2 — “There will be no denying its occurrence” لَيْسَ لِوَقْعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ
• Laisa li-waqati-ha kadhibat-un can have two meanings:
• That it will not be possible that its occurrence be averted, or stopped, or turned back; or, in other words, there will be no power to make it appear as an unreal event.
• That there will be no living being to tell the lie that the event has not taken place.
• This can mean that no one will be able to deny it or able to lie about it. There will thus be no excuse, no reinterpretation, no escape.
• That is no ideology will explain it away, no skepticism will survive it or no intellectualization will protect against it.
• Reality itself will silence denial.

How This Answers Atheist Objections (At a Deep Level)

• The Qur’an does NOT argue here with physics, probability or laboratory evidence. Instead, Qur'an attacks the psychology of denial.
• Atheistic objection: “There is no proof of the Hereafter.”
• Qur’ānic response: Your denial is not because it is false — Your denial exists because it has not yet confronted you.
• These verses say: Denial is temporary. Reality is permanent.

The Qur’ān’s Existential Argument (Not Just Logical)

• The Qur’an’s method is Not “Prove God with equations” - But expose human illusion of control and permanence.
• These verses imply: Every atheist certainty is built on: (1) Still being alive, (2) Still having time, and (3) Still not having faced death and of course the reality of resurrection
• So Qur’an says: Your philosophy depends on delay — not on truth.

The Collapse of Denial at Death & Resurrection

• These verses connect directly with later verses in the same surah: “Why then, when the soul reaches the throat… if you are not to be judged, bring it back.” (56:83–87)
• This is devastating logic: If no God, no Hereafter, no accountability (1) Why can’t you reverse death? (2) Why can’t science save the soul? (3) Why can’t ideology stop finality?

So 56:1–2 are an opening hammer: They announce a future reality that will invalidate all denial retroactively.

Answering “There is No God”

• These verses don’t say “God exists” directly.
• They say something deeper: There is a final reality that no human system controls.
• This itself implies: (1) Authority beyond human(2) Judgment beyond human (3) Reality beyond material
• Atheism claims: Human reason is final and that Matter is ultimate and Death is the end. There is nothing beyond.
• Qur'an says in 56:1–2: You are not final, Matter is not ultimate and Death is not the end

So they strike at the foundation of atheism: Human autonomy as ultimate authority.

Why This Is So Powerful (Psychologically & Philosophically)

1. The Qur’an does not beg disbelief to accept. It declares: Whether you believe or not — this will happen.
2. This shifts the burden: Not “Prove it to me.” - But “You will be proven wrong by reality itself.”
3. This is why the Qur’an often uses: (1) Shock (2) Certainty (3) Oaths (4) Direct confrontation - Because denial is often moral and psychological — not purely intellectual.

The Hidden Message to the Modern Mind

These verses draw a comparison with the people of the time, who trust the Systems, Technology, Medicine, Progress and Control.

While the Qur'an 56:1–2 say: There is an event that will render all of that irrelevant.

That is a direct challenge to: Secular confidence, Materialist security, and Technological arrogance.

One-line Qur’ānic answer to atheism in 56:1–2:

The Qur’an does not argue that the Hereafter is possible — it declares that it is inevitable, and that denial is only sustained by delay, not by truth. Reality itself will end the debate. This is why these verses are so short yet so terrifying — they turn the atheist position from “confident” into temporarily deferred.

Se beware of the day when every human who ever lived will be brought back to life and his dossier will be presented to him and will be rewarded or awarded accordingly. Ten it will be too late to repent for not having paid heed to the Divine warnings when there was still time to acknowledge what was being said was true.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 56 Al-Wāqiʻa  الواقعة "The Inevitable" already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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Surah Al-Waqi'ah - The (Inevitable) Event: Summary of 56th Chapter of Holy Quran

Sūrah Al-Waqi'ah is the fifty sixth surah with 96 ayahs with three rukus, part of the 27th Juzʼ  of the Holy Qur'an.

The surah by the subject it contains is described by many as the Meccan surah. The main theme revolves around the Day of Judgment, rather it very beautifully paints the End Day with lot of details leaving no ambiguity in the minds of the believers and the disbelievers as to how  they will be treated and awarded and rewarded. Though it is a pity that despite forewarning the pagans of Makkah of the punishment that would be meted out to them for their stubbornness to accept the reality of the Day of Resurrection and who continued to mock the Prophet of Allah for frightening them of something that they would not be able to see as they would be long dead.

In fact this surah explains the rewards and punishments as already mentioned in the previous surah, Surah Ar Rehman, the 55th surah of the Holy Qur'an. However, here three types of people are mentioned who would be rewarded and punished for the extra good, good and bad deeds.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been reported as saying that whoever recites Al-Waqi'ah every night "shall never be afflicted by need". For this reason, the chapter is one of the most recited of the Quran.

Let us now read explanation of the Surah segmented into portions as per the subject matter:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"

The opening of the surah adequately signifies that it is to answer those pagans and disbelievers who would often mock Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whenever He talked of the afterlife.

1. When the Event (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) befalls. 2. And there can be no denying of its befalling. 3. It will bring low (some); (and others) it will exalt; 4. When the earth will be shaken with a terrible shake. 5. And the mountains will be powdered to dust. 6. So that they will become floating dust particles.

The mention of earthquake here is not the ordinary, or even severe earthquakes, that we witness, which are mostly restricted to an area. But this extraordinary earthquake will be so violent and forceful that it will shake the whole earth to its depths all of a sudden, and it will experience a tremendous jolt and tremors all through.

Having painted the disastrous and inevitable day, Allah mentions three categories of people: the "the foremost", "the companions of the right" and "the companions of the left".The first two groups will enter paradise while the companions of the left will go to hell. Here, "the right" is associated with goodness, the righteous will be seated to the right of God's throne and receive their records of deeds in their right hand. The "foremost" refers to a special group of people who will have even better fate than the companion of the right in the afterlife. 

7. And you (all) will be in three kinds (i.e. separate groups). 8. So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands), Who will be those on the Right Hand? (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise). 9. And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), Who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell). 

The Foremost category on the Day of resurrection will be the most blessed people and will be rewarded the best of the paradise, the Jannat ul Fibrous:

10. And those foremost [(in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam,] will be foremost (in Paradise). 11. These will be those nearest to Allah. 12. In the Gardens of delight (Paradise). 13. A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islam). 14. And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later time (generations). 15. (They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones, 16. Reclining thereon, face to face. 17. They will be served by immortal boys, 18. With cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, 19. Where from they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication. 20. And fruit; that they may choose. 21. And the flesh of fowls that they desire. 22. And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), 23. Like unto preserved pearls. 24. A reward for what they used to do. 25. No dirty, false, evil vain talk will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.). 26. But only the saying of: Salam!, Salam! (greetings with peace) !

The people falling in the second category are called the People on the Right Hand. Usually, the right hand signifies positivity and here too the people are the blessed one, though a shade lower than that of the Foremost category:

27. And those on the Right Hand, - Who will be those on the Right Hand? 28. (They will be) among thorn-less lote trees, 29. Among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another, 30. In shade long-extended, 31. By water flowing constantly, 32. And fruit in plenty, 33. Whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off, 34. And on couches or thrones, raised high. 35. Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation. 36. And made them virgins. 37. Loving (their husbands only), equal in age. 38. For those on the Right Hand. 39. A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam). 40. And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later times (generations).

And then the fate of those on the Left has been discussed in detail, telling the disbelievers of their fate and the painting of the picture of the hell which shows their permanent abode for defying the commandments of Allah and the invitation extended to them by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which they repeatedly discarded:

41. And those on the Left Hand Who will be those on the Left Hand? 42. In fierce hot wind and boiling water, 43. And shadow of black smoke, 44. (That shadow) neither cool, nor (even) good, 45. Verily, before that, they indulged in luxury, 46. And were persisting in great sin (joining partners in worship along with Allah, committing murders and other crimes, etc.) 47. And they used to say: "When we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be resurrected? 48. "And also our forefathers?"

Here the Prophet of Allah has been asked to stress on the gathering that will be held on the Day of Resurrection to to take stock of the deniers and mockers:

49. Say (O Muhammad ): "(Yes) verily, those of old, and those of later times. 50. "All will surely be gathered together for appointed Meeting of a known Day. 51. "Then moreover, verily, you the erring-ones, the deniers (of Resurrection)! 52. "You verily will eat of the trees of Zaqqum. 53. "Then you will fill your bellies therewith, 54. "And drink boiling water on top of it, 55. "So you will drink (that) like thirsty camels!" 56. That will be their entertainment on the Day of Recompense! 

The arguments from here to verse 74 provide the reasoning to prove both the doctrines of Tauhid and of Hereafter rationally. For it was there two basic doctrines of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teaching that the people of Makkah were debating and objecting to at that time.

57. We created you, then why do you believe not? 58. Then tell Me (about) the human semen that you emit. 59. Is it you who create it (i.e. make this semen into a perfect human being), or are We the Creator? 60. We have decreed death to you all, and We are not unable, 61. To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not. 62. And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam), why then do you not remember or take heed? 63. Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground. 64. Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower? 65. Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment). 66. (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramun (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)! 67. "Nay, but we are deprived!" 68. Tell Me! The water that you drink. 69. Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down? 70. If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)? 71. Tell Me! The fire which you kindle, 72. Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower? 73. We have made it a Reminder (for the Hell-fire, in the Hereafter); and an article of use for the travellers (and all the others, in this world). 74. Then glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great. 

In the verse 75 below, the usage of La (in Fala) is not an extra character without meaning, as some of the scholars of Tafsir say. Rather it is used at the beginning of an oath when the oath is a negation. This is like when `A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her said, "La by Allah! Allah's Messenger did not touch any woman's hand at all. So in this way, the meaning is, "No! I swear by the Mawaqi` of the stars. The matter is not as you people claim - about the Qur'an - that it is a result of magic or sorcery, rather it is an Honorable Qur'an.'' Ibn Jarir said, "Some of the scholars of the Arabic language said that the meaning of: 

75. So I swear by Mawaqi (setting or the mansions, etc.) of the stars (they traverse).  76. And verily, that is indeed a great oath, if you but know. 

The oath of stars above implies that just as the system of the celestial bodies is firm and stable, so also is this divine Word (The Holy Qur'an) firm and stable. Allah Who has created that system has also sent down this Word. Just as there exists perfect consistency and harmony among the countless stars and planets found in the countless galaxies of the universe, so also this Book presents a perfectly consistent, and systematic code of life in which detailed guidance has been given, on the basis of belief, about morals, modes of worship, civilization and culture, economic and social life, law and justice, peace and war, in short, about every aspect of human life. Then, just as the system of the heavens set and planned by God is stable and unalterable, and does not ever admit of the slightest variation, so also are the truths and instructions given , in this Book stable and unalterable: no part of these can be changed or displaced in any way. 

77. That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Qur'an). 78. In a Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). 79. Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but the purified (i.e. the angels). 80. A Revelation (this Qur'an) from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 81. Is it such a talk (this Qur'an) that you (disbelievers) deny?

In the verse 82, the word "rizq" probably means livelihood. 

82. And instead (of thanking Allah) for the provision He gives you, on the contrary, you deny Him (by disbelief)! 

Since the disbelieving Quraish regarded the message of the Quran as harmful to their economic interests and feared that if it succeeded it would deprive them of their means of livelihood, the verse may also mean this: You have made the denial of this Quran a question of your economic interests, and for you the question of the right and wrong is of no consequence; the only thing of real importance in your sight is the bread for the sake of which you would least hesitate to oppose the truth and adhere to the falsehood.

In conclusion, man has been warned, as if to say: "You may brad and boast as you like and may shut your eyes to the truths in your arrogance of independence, but death is enough to open your eyes. At death you become helpless: you cannot save your own parents; you cannot save your children; you cannot save your religious guided and beloved leaders. They all die in front of your vary eyes while you look on helplessly. If there is no supreme power ruling over you, and your this assumption is correct that you are all in all in the world, and there is no God, then why don't you restore to the dying person his soul?Just as you are helpless in this, so it is also beyond your power to stop Allah from calling the people to account and mete out rewards and punishments to them. You may or may not believe it, but every dying person will surely see his own end after death. If he belongs to those nearest to God, he will see the good end meant for them if he be from among the righteous, he will see the end prepared for the righteous; and if he be from among the deniers of the truth, he will see the end destined for the criminals.

83. Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of a dying person) reaches the throat? 84. And you at the moment are looking on, 85. But We (i.e. Our angels who take the soul) are nearer to him than you, but you see not, 86. Then why do you not, if you are exempt from the reckoning and recompense (punishment, etc.) 87. Bring back the soul (to its body), if you are truthful? 88. Then, if he (the dying person) be of the Muqarrabun (those brought near to Allah), 89. (There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of delights (Paradise). 90.  And if he (the dying person) be of those on the Right Hand, 91. Then there is safety and peace (from the Punishment of Allah) for (you as you are from) those on the Right Hand. 92. But if he (the dying person) be of the denying (of the Resurrection), the erring (away from the Right Path of Islamic Monotheism), 93. Then for him is entertainment with boiling water. 94. And burning in Hell-fire.

95. Verily, this! This is an absolute Truth with certainty. 96. So glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.

Uqbah bin Amir Juhni relates that when verse 96 was sent down the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded that the people put it in their ruku, i.e. they should recite Subhana-Rabbi-yal-Azim in the position of ruku in the Prayer. And when the verse Sabbi-hismi-Rabbi-kal-Aala was sent down, he enjoined that they put it in their sajdah, i.e. they should recite Subhana-Rabbi-yal-Aala in sajdah. (Musnad Ahmad, Abu Daud, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Hakim). This shows that even the most minor details of the procedure enjoined by the Prophet (peace be upon him) for the Prayer are derived from the allusions given in the Quran.

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sūrah Al-Waqi'ah with English subtitles:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Part backwards for chapters in 30th Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

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An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook
Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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