Surah Al-Qari'ah 101:2
سُورَةُ القَارِعَةِ · Meccan · Verse 2 of 11
مَا ٱلْقَارِعَةُ
Translation
What is the Crashing Blow?
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The verse "مَا ٱلْقَارِعَةُ" (What is the Striking Disaster?) immediately follows the introduction of "القَارِعَةُ" (The Striking Disaster) in the preceding verse. In this verse, Allah directly addresses all who hear, not seeking a factual answer but aiming to ignite profound contemplation and awe about an immense and terrifying event.
The Weight of the Name
The core of this verse lies in the word "القَارِعَةُ" (al-Qāri'ah). Its Arabic root, "قرع" (qara'a), conveys the strong action of striking, hitting, or knocking with severity, often producing a powerful sound. Imam al-Razi explains it as "striking with severity and force." This name is given to the Day of Judgment because it will "strike" humanity with overwhelming events and immense terrors. As Ibn Ashur points out, this particular word choice, rather than a general term, immediately conveys the abruptness, intensity, and fear-inducing nature of what is to come, affecting the listener deeply.
The Question That Magnifies
The verse's structure, "مَا ٱلْقَارِعَةُ" (What is the Striking Disaster?), uses the interrogative word "مَا" (mā), meaning "What?". However, this is not a question seeking a direct, simple answer. Rather, as Imam al-Jalalayn highlights, it functions "to magnify its significance." It is a rhetorical question designed to emphasize that the true nature and magnitude of al-Qāri'ah are beyond human comprehension and prior knowledge. Ibn Ashur describes this as a "terrifying opening" that also creates "anticipation for what will be reported." By asking "What is it?" immediately after naming it, the Quran underscores that the reality of this event is far grander, more terrifying, and more impactful than any listener could possibly imagine. It serves as a stark warning and demands complete attention, setting an intensely serious tone for the revelations that follow.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Qari'ah 101:2 is discussed in one study guide on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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