Al Waqiah (The Inevitable) by Hamza Bin Asad (Age 11)

Surah Al Waqiah is the 56^th Surah of the Quran and it consists of 96 verses. In the first six verses, Allah swt describes the Day of Judgement. After describing, the Day of Judgement, Allah swt says that there will be three kinds of people; the companions of the Right, the companions of the Left and the forerunners. He mentions that the forerunners will be brought closer to Him in highest heaven. There will be more righteous people in the past than in the later stages of the world. Then it is mentioned that forerunners would enjoy their stay in heaven. People will return to their prime ages. The forerunners will have drinks tastier than wine and their drinks will not intoxicate them. They could eat whatever fruits they desired. They could eat any kind and part of the fowl they wish to have. Then there is mention of women in heaven. There will be fair women like pearls. As a reward for what they used to do, they will not hear any bad words or see bad things. They will only have peace.

In next few Ayahs, Allah swt describes how companion of the Right will live in their section of heaven. They will live among  lote trees without thorns. There will be trees full of fruits and there shades will be extended. Also there will be water pouring out. Fruits and water will be unlimited and they could eat and drink as they like. They will have their beds raised. The women found in this section of heaven will be devoted to their husbands.  They will be of equal ages for the companions of the right. It is worth mentioning that these women will be resurrected in newer and better form.

Immediately after this, there is description of companions of the Left. They will live in fire. They will have boiling water to drink which they will drink like thirsty camels. They will be surrounded by the black smoke. They will be eating from the tree of Zaqqum.

 This passage is followed by direct address to the Prophet PBUH:

“O, Muhammad, indeed the former and later people, are to be gathered together for the appointment for a known day”. [56:49-50]

Above ayahs are followed by a volley of questions like, ‘We have created you so why do you not believe’.  [56:57] After mentioning His greatness, Allah swt says that He created everything, so why are we in denial? Allah swt reminds us to remember Him always. Then He swt swears by the setting of the stars and affirms that the Quran is well protected in Register (Loh e Mahfooz). None can benefit from it except the purified people of soft hearts. Quran is the order of the Lord who is the Creator of the worlds.

Next few verses discuss the time death when the soul reaches the throat. The angel of death at this point in time is closer to the dying person than the people near him. But they can’t see him or do anything about it. However, if the deceased was on the right path, he will go in heaven and the angels will greet him by saying, ‘peace be upon you’. If he will be on the wrong side, he will be drinking boiling hot water and will live in hellfire. Surah ends by verses that this is the truth, so take the name of your Lord, The Greatest.

The lessons for the kids of my generation are that the worldly things have no meaning. Try to do the stuff that will help you in afterlife so you may avoid ending up on the Left side. We should not just recite the Quran but also understand it because it teaches the right way of life that will save us in next life.