Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:5
سُورَةُ الزَّلۡزَلَةِ · Medinan · Verse 5 of 8
بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوْحَىٰ لَهَا
Translation
because your Lord will inspire it [to do so].
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The Divine Command to Earth
Surah Az-Zalzalah, verse 5, "بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوْحَىٰ لَهَا" (bi-anna rabbaka awḥā lahā), reveals the reason behind the Earth's astonishing act of speaking on the Day of Judgment. It declares that the Earth will testify because "your Lord (Allah) has inspired it" or "commanded it." The Arabic word "أَوْحَىٰ" (awḥā) signifies a divine inspiration, a secret communication, or a powerful decree from Allah.
The Nuance of "Lahā"
The specific choice of the particle "لَهَا" (lahā), which means "to her" or "for her," instead of the more common "إِلَيْهَا" (ilayhā), which also translates to "to her," holds significant meaning for scholars. While sometimes interchangeable, as noted by Abu Ubaydah (cited by al-Razi and al-Zamakhshari), its use here highlights a deeper spiritual and linguistic point.
Ibn Ashur explains that when "أَوْحَىٰ" is paired with "لَهَا," it implies a profound, creative command from Allah. This is not an ordinary verbal instruction, but an act of "divine speech of creation," similar to Allah's command "Be!" (Kun!) that brings things into existence. It signifies that Allah willed for the Earth to speak, and it simply became.
Furthermore, al-Razi offers an additional layer of reflection, suggesting that "لَهَا" could mean "for her sake" (li-ajlihā). This perspective portrays the Earth as not merely a passive recipient of a command, but an active participant given a purpose. Perhaps the Earth, which endured humanity's deeds, is divinely empowered to give testimony as if to fulfill its own purpose, or even to "vent" its experiences. This powerful command transforms the inanimate Earth into a conscious witness, revealing that everything in the cosmos is utterly subservient to its Creator.
A Message for Us
This verse reminds us of Allah's absolute power over all creation. He can cause the seemingly silent Earth to speak, revealing every deed, good or bad, done upon its surface. This serves as a profound warning and a source of awe, emphasizing that nothing we do is hidden from Allah, and even the ground beneath our feet will bear witness.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Wisdom
Surah Az-Zalzalah paints a powerful picture of the Day of Judgment, describing the Earth's violent shaking and its expulsion of all it holds within. Then, in verse 5, it reveals the profound reason behind this astonishing event: بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوْحَىٰ لَهَا (because your Lord inspired her).
What the verse means
This verse explains *why* the Earth will speak and reveal its secrets. The phrase أَوْحَىٰ لَهَا (awha laha) means that your Lord, Allah, inspired, commanded, and gave permission to the Earth to do so. As scholars like al-Saadi and Ibn al-Jawzi clarify, Allah orders the Earth to tell of everything that was done upon its surface, and it will not disobey His command. It is not an act the Earth performs on its own, but a direct consequence of Allah's divine instruction.
A Profound Principle
This short verse carries a powerful general lesson about Allah's absolute power and the concept of universal accountability. It teaches us that nothing is hidden from Allah. The very ground we walk on is not merely inanimate matter, but a witness, capable of testifying when its Creator commands. Just as a meticulously kept record reveals every entry, the Earth itself will bear witness to every good and bad deed performed upon it. This reminds us that every action, no matter how small or hidden, is known and recorded, because Allah Himself enables and commands the Earth to reveal its "news" (its reports).
A Call to Reflection
This knowledge should evoke a deep spiritual response. It encourages us to live with profound awareness, knowing that our actions are not only seen by Allah but also recorded by our surroundings. It prompts us to reflect on the legacy we are leaving on the Earth daily. Will the Earth testify in our favor or against us? This verse serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate good deeds and shun wrongdoing, realizing that there is no escaping accountability on the Day when the Earth itself will speak, compelled by the command of your Lord.
Sources: Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:5 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:5 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.