Al Infitar (The Cleaving) -Chapter 82

Continuing with our tafsir lecture series, today we discuss Surat Al Infitar -chapter 82 of the Quran which is one of the chapters discussing qiamah (Judgement day) or finality of mankind. As you know no holy book discusses and emphasizes the day of reckoning and its signs and man’s eventual destination more than the Quran. Looking at the Old Testament or torah, there is no mention of it (as far as I know), and the New Testament mentions it in passing but Christians do believe in it. Why so much emphasis in the Quran in terms of its signs, what happens during and what happens after? With vivid details on man's final destination? Its because the Quran is the final revelation, the last testament or shall we say the final notice in this context. Much like other chapters of similar message, this surat (chapter) starts with what happens right before (or the final signs). Keep in mind in the old days people thought the world was everlasting (without beginning and end). The sun, the moon, the earth, have always existed and will do so forever. Perhaps due to distortions, religions of past and present also never discussed the end or the last day beside the Christianity and Islam. As discussed even in Christianity it is a mere mention, no in-depth discussion and analysis. Under such conditions where people thought no finality of this world, and the last day, and that even if God exists this world has been and will be forever, then comes the last Prophet and Messenger of God (sal) with the revelation, with unwavering message regarding finality of this world and the last day expressed in a number of ways and contexts so mankind “gets” it. . . .