Surah Az-Zilzal | English Translation by Sayyid Abul A‘la Maududi
Surah Az-Zalzalah is a short but extremely powerful chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It consists of eight verses and focuses entirely on the events of the Day of Judgment. Revealed in Madinah according to many scholars, this Surah vividly describes the final earthquake and the complete accountability of every human being. The English translation by Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi presents its meaning with clarity and seriousness, helping readers grasp the gravity of the message.
The Surah begins with a dramatic description: “When the earth is shaken with its final earthquake.” The word Zilzal means a severe shaking or earthquake. Maududi’s translation highlights that this is not an ordinary tremor but the great upheaval that will occur at the end of the world. The entire earth will be shaken violently as part of the events leading to the Day of Judgment.
The next verse states, “And the earth throws out its burdens.” According to classical explanations mentioned by scholars, this refers to the earth bringing forth everything hidden within it — including the dead from their graves and all records of deeds. The image is powerful: nothing will remain concealed. Every secret, every action, and every event will be exposed.
The Surah continues, “And man will say, ‘What is the matter with it?’” On that Day, humanity will be shocked and confused by the magnitude of the event. People who once doubted the Hereafter will finally witness its reality. Through Maududi’s translation, the tone of astonishment and fear is clearly conveyed.
The following verse explains the reason for this extraordinary scene: “That Day it will report its news.” The earth itself will testify about what occurred upon it. Everything that took place — good or bad — will be made known. This idea emphasizes total accountability. Nothing done in private or public escapes divine knowledge.
The Surah further states that this will happen because “your Lord has inspired it.” This shows that the earth’s testimony will occur by the command and will of Allah. Just as He created the world with order and purpose, He will also bring it to account with perfect justice.
The next verses describe humanity being presented before Allah: “That Day the people will come forth in scattered groups to be shown their deeds.” Each individual will stand separately, responsible only for their own actions. Social status, wealth, and worldly power will hold no value at that time. Every person will see the consequences of their choices.
The final two verses are among the most well-known in the Qur’an: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” These verses emphasize absolute justice. Even the smallest act — as tiny as a particle — will not be ignored. Good deeds, no matter how small, will be rewarded. Likewise, even minor acts of wrongdoing will be accounted for.
Sayyid Abul A‘la Maududi’s English translation clearly conveys the universality of this message. The Surah does not address only a specific group; it speaks to all humanity. It teaches that life is meaningful and every action has consequences. Nothing is insignificant in the sight of Allah.
One of the key lessons of Surah Az-Zalzalah is personal responsibility. Many people may think small actions do not matter, but this Surah reminds believers that every word, intention, and deed carries weight. It encourages constant self-awareness and sincerity in daily life.
In conclusion, Surah Az-Zilzal presents a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment and emphasizes complete accountability. Through the English translation by Sayyid Abul A‘la Maududi, readers can understand the seriousness and clarity of its warning. The Surah serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest good deed is valuable, and even the smallest wrongdoing will not go unnoticed. It calls humanity to live responsibly, with faith in divine justice and awareness of the Hereafter.