Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:2
سُورَةُ القِيَامَةِ · Meccan · Verse 2 of 40
وَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِٱلنَّفْسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ
Translation
and by the self-reproaching soul!
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
In these opening verses of Surah Al-Qiyamah, Allah begins with two profound oaths to underscore a truth that some humans might deny: the certainty of the Day of Resurrection and the accountability that comes with it.
The Weight of "No, I Swear"
The phrase `وَلَآ أُقْسِمُ` (wa la uqsimu) at the beginning of the verse is remarkable. On the surface, it seems to mean "And I do not swear." However, in the rich tapestry of Arabic rhetoric, `لا` (la) preceding an oath often serves to intensify and magnify the subject of the oath, rather than negate it. It’s like saying, "The matter I am about to discuss is so immensely significant, so undeniably true, that an oath by it barely does it justice, or it is so evident it doesn't even need an oath." Ibn Ashur notes this as a form of rhetorical embellishment, emphasizing the greatness of what is sworn upon by making it seem too vast for a simple oath. This powerful opening commands our attention, signaling that what follows is of supreme importance.
The Self-Reproaching Soul
Allah then swears by `ٱلنَّفْسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ` (an-nafs al-lawwāmah), which means "the self-reproaching soul." The word `اللوَّامَةِ` is a form that implies frequent and intense self-blame or self-criticism. Scholars like al-Hasan al-Basri (mentioned by al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur) beautifully describe this as the believer's conscience: a soul that constantly reviews its actions, regretting its shortcomings in good deeds and reflecting on its missteps, even if it has striven for righteousness. Unlike the disbeliever who might remain heedless, the believer's soul is actively engaged in `muhasabah`, or self-reckoning. This constant self-evaluation and striving for improvement makes this soul noble and cherished in Allah's sight.
Connecting the Oaths
Why would Allah swear by the Day of Resurrection and then by the self-reproaching soul? The deep connection (munasabah) lies in the fact that the Day of Resurrection is when all souls will be held accountable. It is precisely the `نَّفْسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ` – the soul that was vigilant, that sought to correct itself, that prepared for that Day – which will find success and honor. The implicit answer to these solemn oaths, the `jawab al-qasam`, is the certainty of resurrection and accountability for all mankind. Allah swears by these two monumental realities to impress upon us that judgment is real, and the quality of our inner life, our conscience and self-accountability, is profoundly significant in His estimation.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:2 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:2 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.