Surah 99 (Surah Zilzaal)

Question 1

What is the main theme of this surah?

Answer 1

• Surah Zilzaal presents the theme of God’s relationship with the created world. It depicts the last day and the end of time when will be destroyed by a tremendous earthquake as God has the power to destroy His own creation (Al-Mumit - “The Destroyer”). The Quran says, “When the earth is flattened out and throws out whatever it contains and gets empty.”
• The earth will give testimony on what occurred, from environmental abuse to neglect of resources.
• Justice will be done in the light of the truth. In this world good and evil are mixed together. But on that day each grade of good and evil will be taken into account.
• God will be the Judge and decision about the eternal life will be made by God, only He has the power to do so. People will be responsible for their actions on earth and given their accounts; God will give people their accounts, which will take them to Heaven or Hell.

Question 2

What’s the importance of this surah?

Answer 2

• This Surah is a warning for people to give up their lives of sin, and be obedient to Allah. The verses reaffirm Muslim belief in the Day of Judgment. It creates a sense of accountability, reminding Muslims to stay on the straight path.
• Good deeds will be rewarded which encourages Muslims to always do good, for example, following the Pillars or being honest and helping others. It keeps them away from displeasing things like lying,
  cheating, gossiping and not obeying God’s commandments.
• It helps Muslims understand the temporary nature of the world which stops them being distracted by worldly things, fashion or money, etc .
• Muslims feel comforted by God’s justice that no good deed will go unnoticed, or bad deed will go unpunished.