Al-Ḥajj (Surah 22)
Al-Ḥajj (The Pilgrimage)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Medinian sûrah takes its name from the passage that talks about pilgrimage rituals (verses 25-37), along with condemnations to the pagans for hindering the believers from reaching the Sacred House in Mecca. After fifteen years of persecution, here the believers receive the permission to fight back in self-defence (verse 39). Idolatry is condemned and the idols are rejected as pathetic, incapable of even creating a fly. In conclusion, the believers are told that they can achieve success through prayer and good deeds—a theme which extends to the beginning of the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Horror of Judgment Day
1. O humanity! Fear your Lord, for the (violent) quaking at the Hour is surely a dreadful thing. 2. The Day you see it, every nursing mother will abandon what she is nursing, and every pregnant woman will deliver her burden (prematurely). And you will see people (as if they were) drunk, though they will not be drunk; but the torment of Allah is (terribly) severe.
Surah 22 - Al-Ḥajj (The Pilgrimage) - Verses 1-2
Denying Allah’s Might
3. (Still) there are some who dispute about Allah without knowledge, and follow every rebellious devil. 4. It has been decreed for such devils that whoever takes them as a guide will be misguided and led by them into the torment of the Blaze.
Surah 22 - Al-Ḥajj (The Pilgrimage) - Verses 3-4
Allah’s Power to Create
5. O humanity! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then (know that) We did create you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then (developed you into) a clinging clot (of blood), then a lump of flesh —fully formed or unformed —in order to demonstrate (Our power) to you. (Then) We settle whatever (embryo) We will in the womb for an appointed term, then bring you forth as infants, so that you may reach your prime. Some of you (may) die (young), while others are left to reach the most feeble stage of life so that they may know nothing after having known much. And you see the earth lifeless, but as soon as We send down rain upon it, it begins to stir (to life) and swell, producing every type of pleasant plant. 6. That is because Allah (alone) is the Truth, He (alone) gives life to the dead, and He (alone) is Most Capable of everything. 7. And certainly the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it. And Allah will surely resurrect those in the graves.
Surah 22 - Al-Ḥajj (The Pilgrimage) - Verses 5-7
Punishment of the Wicked
8. (Still) there are some who dispute about Allah without knowledge, guidance, or an enlightening scripture, 9. turning away (in pride) to lead (others) astray from Allah’s Way. They will suffer disgrace in this world, and on the Day of Judgment We will make them taste the torment of burning. 10. (They will be told,) “This is (the reward) for what your hands have done. And Allah is never unjust to (His) creation.”