The Divine Ingenuity of Ar-Rahman in Describing the Scenes of the Hereafter in the Holy Quran: A Study in Light of Surah Az-Zumar

Abstract

Abstract:

This research seeks to reveal the divine ingenuity of Ar-Rahman in describing the scenes of the Hereafter in the Holy Quran, specifically through what is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar. It aims to introduce Surah Az-Zumar, clarifying its names, number of verses, revelation cause (Asbab an-Nuzul), its coherence with preceding surahs, and its main objectives. Furthermore, it endeavors to uncover the creative description of the Day of Resurrection scenes in light of its verses, to elucidate the precise Quranic detailing of the gathering (Hashr) and accountability (Hisab), to illustrate the states of the two groups of people (those driven to Paradise and those driven to Hell) as depicted in the noble Surah, and to demonstrate the Quranic eloquence in portraying the ultimate cosmic scene.

The research arrived at several key findings, notably: Surah Az-Zumar is Meccan, and no evidence was found for a revelation cause (Asbab an-Nuzul) that would prove its Medinan status. It is named 'Az-Zumar' (The Troops) due to the unique occurrence of this word within it, unlike other surahs of the Quran. It is also named 'Al-Ghuraf' (The Chambers) because the word 'ghuraf' is mentioned in this specific form within it. Books of Tafsir (exegesis) do not mention a specific revelation cause for Surah Az-Zumar. The research demonstrated the coherence of Surah Az-Zumar with Surah Sad (Surah 38), where in the concluding verses of Surah Sad, Allah mentions the story of Adam's creation, while in the opening verses of Surah Az-Zumar, He speaks of the creation of his spouse and the entire humanity originating from him. It then details their creation in their mothers' wombs, 'creation after creation,' followed by their inevitable death, and then the 'death' of sleep and actual demise. Subsequently, it describes the Day of Resurrection, the accountability, the recompense, and the states of Heaven and Hell. Thus, it narrates the conditions of creation from their inception to their ultimate return (Ma'ad), closely connected to Adam's creation mentioned in the preceding surah. This demonstrates a coherence between the beginning and end of Surah Az-Zumar itself, and also between its beginning and the concluding parts of Surah Sad.

Keywords: Tafsir, Surah Az-Zumar, Scenes of the Day of Resurrection, Gathering (Hashr) and Accountability (Hisab), Ultimate Cosmic Scene.