Table Of Contents

The Definitive Guide to the Virtues & Benefits of Surah Al-Waqi’ah (The Inevitable)

A comprehensive, spiritually enriching exploration of Surah Al-Waqi’ah, highlighting its divine blessings, moral lessons, and transformative impact on a believer’s life.

Introduction ✨

In a world consumed by financial anxiety and the constant fear of poverty, we’re always searching for the secret to wealth and security. We chase careers, invest in stocks, and worry endlessly about our future provisions. But what if the ultimate “wealth insurance” wasn’t a financial product, but a spiritual practice? What if there was a chapter in the Qur’an so powerful that the Prophet (ﷺ) himself prescribed it as a protection against poverty?

Most people know Surah Al-Waqi’ah as the “Surah of Wealth,” famous for the tradition that its nightly recitation prevents poverty. But what if I told you its true secret to wealth is far more profound and counter-intuitive than a simple ritual? This Surah doesn’t just promise you sustenance; it completely redefines what “wealth” and “poverty” even mean. It is a divine audit of your life, a powerful, cinematic preview of the Day of Judgment that sorts all of humanity into three distinct groups. This guide will journey deep into the virtues of Surah Al-Waqi’ah, exploring its confirmed virtues, its power to cure a `dunya`-focused heart, and its breathtaking descriptions of the rewards for the “foremost” believers.

Reflection: The Surah’s connection to wealth is brilliant. By forcing us to confront the absolute certainty of the Hereafter, it cures the spiritual poverty of a heart attached to this world. A heart that is rich with `yaqeen` (certainty) in the next life can never be truly “poor” in this one, regardless of its bank balance. This is the true protection from `faqr` (poverty).

Concluding Takeaway: Prepare to discover how these 96 verses can become your nightly spiritual anchor, your shield against the fear of poverty, and your motivation to join the elite ranks of `As-Sabiqun` (the Foremost). Are you ready to discover the secret to true, unshakable wealth?

📜 Divine Significance and Background of Surah Al-Waqi’ah

Surah Al-Waqi’ah, the 56th chapter of the Qur’an, is a powerful early Makkan Surah. Its name, “The Inevitable,” is taken from the very first verse, which opens with a thunderous and absolute declaration: “When the Inevitable Event (`Al-Waqi’ah`) occurs, There is, to its occurrence, no denial.” This sets the tone for a Surah that is a vivid, powerful, and detailed preview of the Day of Judgment and the eternal realities of the Hereafter.

Context: A Wake-Up Call for a Heedless Society

Revealed in Makkah, this Surah was a direct response to the materialism and skepticism of the Quraysh. They were a people engrossed in the pursuit of wealth and status, and they mockingly denied the very concept of resurrection and accountability. Surah Al-Waqi’ah was sent down as a powerful wake-up call, designed to shake them from their slumber of heedlessness (`ghaflah`).

Its primary purpose was to:

• Establish the Certainty of the Hereafter: The Surah’s core message is to make the `Akhirah` an undeniable, felt reality in the mind of the listener. It doesn’t just say Judgment Day is coming; it describes the sights and sounds of its arrival in terrifying detail.
• Dismantle Materialistic Delusions: By vividly contrasting the eternal, luxurious rewards of the believers with the horrific punishment of the deniers, it powerfully argues that the temporary gains of this world are a foolish and trivial pursuit.
• Provide Rational Proofs: It confronts the disbelievers’ main argument (“Shall we indeed be resurrected after we have died and become dust and bones?”) with clear, logical proofs from their own existence: the sperm-drop, the seeds they plant, the water they drink, and the fire they kindle.

The Surah that Gave the Prophet (ﷺ) White Hairs

The impact of this Surah and its sister-Surahs was so profound that it left a physical mark on the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself.

It is narrated that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the Prophet (ﷺ), “O Messenger of Allah, you have become grey.” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “I have been made grey by [Surah] Hud, Al-Waqi’ah, Al-Mursalat, ‘Amma Yatasa’alun, and Idha-sh-shamsu Kuwwirat.”

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi (3297). Graded as Sahih (authentic) by Sheikh Al-Albani.

This hadith is a stunning testament to the Surah’s spiritual weight. The sheer gravity of its descriptions of the Day of Judgment, the power of its warnings, and the weight of the divine message it contains were so immense that they physically aged the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).

Reflection: The fact that this Surah gave the Prophet (ﷺ) white hairs teaches us how we should approach it. We should not recite it lightly. We should come to it with a heart that is prepared to be shaken, a mind that is ready to be awakened, and a soul that is willing to confront the ultimate reality of our existence. Its recitation is a serious and momentous event.

Concluding Takeaway: Read Surah Al-Waqi’ah as a direct, cinematic preview of your own future. It is not a story about other people; it is a description of the three groups that you, and every other human being, will inevitably be sorted into. Its power lies in its ability to force you to ask the most important question of your life: “Which group will I be in?”

🌿 Moral Lessons and Transformative Teachings from Surah Al-Waqi’ah

Surah Al-Waqi’ah is not just a description of the Hereafter; it is a powerful moral guide that teaches us about the actions and attitudes in this life that lead to the different outcomes in the next. Its lessons are clear, profound, and deeply transformative.

1. Humanity is Not Monolithic: The Surah’s most famous teaching is its sorting of humanity into three distinct groups on the Day of Judgment. This is a powerful lesson against oversimplification.
   • The Foremost (`As-Sabiqun`): The elite, those who were foremost in faith and good deeds.
   • The Companions of the Right (`Ashab al-Yamin`): The mainstream believers who will achieve salvation.
   • The Companions of the Left (`Ashab al-Shimal`): The deniers and the wicked who are destined for punishment.

   Actionable Takeaway: Don’t just aspire to “pass”; aspire to excel. This classification teaches us about the different levels of Jannah and motivates us to strive for the highest station, to be among `As-Sabiqun`, the nearest to Allah.

2. Our Own Actions are the Source of Our Reality: The Surah repeatedly uses the phrase `Bima kuntum ta’malun` (“for what you used to do”). The bliss of the people of Paradise and the torment of the people of Hell are a direct `jaza’` (recompense) for their actions in this world.

   Actionable Takeaway: This is the ultimate principle of personal responsibility. Live every day with the consciousness that you are actively building your own Hereafter with every choice you make. Your eternal home is “under construction,” and your deeds are the building materials.

3. The Sin of Indulgence: The Surah gives a specific and damning reason for the state of the Companions of the Left: “Indeed, they were before that indulging in luxury (`mutrafin`).” (56:45).

   Actionable Takeaway: This is a terrifying warning against a life of heedless indulgence and luxury that makes one forgetful of Allah and the poor. Be mindful of your consumption. Practice gratitude, avoid extravagance, and ensure that your blessings do not become a veil between you and your Lord.

4. The Power of `Tadabbur` over the Everyday Miracles: The Surah challenges the deniers by pointing to four everyday miracles they take for granted:
   • The creation from a sperm-drop.
   • The seeds they cultivate.
   • The water they drink.
   • The fire they kindle.

   Actionable Takeaway: Practice the `ibadah` of `tafakkur` (reflection). Don’t just drink a glass of water; reflect on the miracle of its origin. Don’t just eat your food; reflect on the power that brought a seed to life. This Surah teaches us to find the proof of the greatest unseen reality (the Hereafter) in the most common seen realities of our daily lives.

5. The Qur’an’s Exalted Status: The Surah contains a powerful passage that describes the noble origin of the Qur’an: “Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, In a Register well-protected; None touch it except the purified.” (56:77-79).

   Actionable Takeaway: This teaches us the profound `adab` (etiquette) we must have with the Qur’an. We should approach it in a state of physical and spiritual purity. It is not a common book; it is a transmission from the Lord of the Worlds, and its recitation and handling deserve our utmost reverence.

Reflection: The moral lessons of this Surah are a perfect balance of motivation and warning. The detailed descriptions of the rewards of `As-Sabiqun` pull us forward with hope, while the terrifying fate of the `mutrafin` (the indulgent) holds us back from heedlessness. It is a complete spiritual guidance system.

Concluding Takeaway: Choose one of the four everyday miracles mentioned in the Surah (creation, farming, water, or fire). For one day, every time you encounter that thing, consciously pause and reflect on it as a sign of Allah’s power to create and recreate. Let this simple act of `tafakkur` be your first step in living the message of Surah Al-Waqi’ah.

🕋 How Surah Al-Waqi’ah Deepens Our Connection with Allah

Surah Al-Waqi’ah forges a deep and awe-filled connection with Allah by vividly demonstrating His absolute power over creation, destruction, and recreation. It connects us to Him as the ultimate reality, the sole agent behind all of existence, and the just King who will preside over the final sorting of all souls.

1. By Making the Hereafter a Sensory Experience

The Surah doesn’t just talk about the Day of Judgment; it makes you feel, see, and hear it. It begins, “When the Inevitable Event occurs… It will bring down [some] and exalt [others]. When the earth is shaken with a [violent] shaking, And the mountains are broken down, crumbling, And become dust dispersing.” (56:1-6).

This powerful, cinematic language bypasses the intellect and speaks directly to the soul. It connects us to Allah’s awesome power (`Jalal`) by making us feel the sheer, world-shattering magnitude of the event He will bring about. It creates a connection based on profound awe and a healthy fear of that Day, which is the beginning of true `taqwa`.

2. By Challenging Us with His Creative Power

The series of questions in the latter half of the Surah is a direct and personal challenge from Allah to the reader.

أَفَرَأَيْتُم مَّا تُمْنُونَ * أَأَنتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَ

“Have you seen that which you emit? Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?” (Qur’an, 56:58-59)

He asks the same question about the seeds we plant, the water we drink, and the fire we kindle. This Socratic method is deeply connecting. It forces us into a conversation where we must admit our own utter powerlessness and His absolute creative power in the most basic elements of our daily lives. This builds a connection based on humility and the constant recognition of His hand in everything we do and use.

3. By Revealing the Intimate Details of His Reward

The descriptions of Paradise in this Surah are incredibly detailed and personal, connecting us to a Lord who is not just just, but infinitely generous (`Al-Karim`) and thoughtful. He describes:

• The specific fruits the believers will have (“fruit of what they select, and the meat of fowl, from whatever they desire”).
• The nature of their companions (“like well-protected pearls”).
• The atmosphere of their gatherings (“No ill speech will they hear therein or any sin”).

This level of detail connects us to a Lord who is intimately concerned with our ultimate happiness and who has prepared a reward that caters to every desire of a purified soul. It fosters a connection of deep, aspirational love and a yearning to meet this generous King.

Reflection: Surah Al-Waqi’ah connects us to Allah by taking us on a journey through the full spectrum of His attributes. We see His awesome power (`Al-Jabbar`) in the shaking of the earth, His subtle creative power (`Al-Khaliq`) in the sperm-drop, and His infinite generosity (`Al-Karim`) in the detailed bliss of Paradise. It is a Surah that builds a complete and holistic picture of our Lord.

Concluding Takeaway: The next time you perform a simple daily act mentioned in the Surah—planting a seed, drinking water, lighting a stove—pause for a moment. Ask yourself the question the Surah poses: “Am I the creator of this, or is Allah?” Let this simple, daily reflection, inspired by Surah Al-Waqi’ah, be your way of constantly renewing your connection with the Creator of all things.

🪔 Spiritual Significance and Essence of Surah Al-Waqi’ah

The spiritual essence of Surah Al-Waqi’ah is The Inevitable Sorting (`Tasnif`) and the Reality of Recompense (`Jaza’`). The Surah is a powerful, cinematic unveiling of the final act of human history. Its core message is that the Day of Judgment is not just a future event, but an impending reality that will bring about an ultimate and irreversible sorting of all humanity based on their deeds in this life. The essence of the Surah is to make this future reality the primary motivating force for our present actions.

The Essence: The Three Groups

The Surah’s structure is built around its famous classification of humanity.

وَكُنتُمْ أَزْوَاجًا ثَلَاثَةً * فَأَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ * وَأَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ * وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ

“And you become three kinds: Then the companions of the right – what are the companions of the right? And the companions of the left – what are the companions of the left? And the foremost, the foremost.” (Qur’an, 56:7-10)

The entire Surah is an exposition of this final sorting.

• It defines the groups: It details who they are and what their reward or punishment will be with vivid, sensory-rich language.
• It explains the reasons: It shows that the Companions of the Left were those who were “indulging in luxury” and denied the resurrection. It implies that the Companions of the Right and the Foremost were those who believed and acted upon that belief.
• It proves the possibility: It then provides the rational proofs (from creation, farming, etc.) to show that the One who created us the first time has the power to carry out this final sorting.

The essence is to present this final classification as the most important social, spiritual, and eternal reality we will ever face.

Spiritual Significance: A Call to `Yaqeen` and Aspiration

• Uplifting the Heart with Aspiration: By detailing the incredible rewards of `As-Sabiqun` (The Foremost), the Surah uplifts the heart of the believer. It doesn’t just call us to seek salvation (the Companions of the Right); it calls us to strive for the highest level of excellence, to be in the front ranks, “nearest to Allah.” This is a powerful spiritual motivation.
• Strengthening Faith through `Yaqeen`: The Surah is a machine for building certainty (`yaqeen`). Its powerful opening, its logical proofs, and its detailed descriptions are all designed to transport the listener’s heart to the Day of Judgment, making it a felt reality rather than an abstract concept. This `yaqeen` is the foundation of a strong and unshakeable faith.
• Guiding Towards Righteousness: The Surah guides us by making the consequences of our actions crystal clear. It is a powerful moral compass. Every choice we make is a step towards one of the three groups. This constant awareness is a powerful guide towards righteous conduct.

Reflection: Surah Al-Waqi’ah is the divine answer to the human desire for justice. It assures us that in the end, there will be a perfect and just accounting. The chaos and apparent injustices of this world will be resolved, and every soul will be placed in the group it earned through its own striving. This is a source of immense comfort for the believer and a stern warning to the oppressor.

Concluding Takeaway: The essence of this Surah is to ask yourself, “Which group am I striving to be in?” Let this question be your guide. Let the description of `As-Sabiqun` be your inspiration. Let the fate of `Ashab al-Shimal` be your warning. And let the path of `Ashab al-Yamin` be your steady course. Let this Surah be the compass that guides you to your final, blessed destination.

📚 Virtues Of Surah Al-Waqi’ah Mentioned in Hadith and Islamic Tradition

Surah Al-Waqi’ah is one of the most well-known Surahs for its specific virtues, particularly in relation to protection from poverty. These virtues are mentioned in several narrations and have been embraced by the Muslim Ummah for centuries as a source of both spiritual and worldly benefit.

1. The Surah of Wealth: A Protection Against Poverty

This is the most famous virtue associated with Surah Al-Waqi’ah, making it a staple nightly recitation for millions of Muslims.

• The Hadith: It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Mas’ud that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night, poverty will never afflict him.”

  Source: This hadith is famously recorded by Imam Al-Bayhaqi in his “Shu’ab al-Iman” and mentioned by many commentators like Imam Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir.

• Scholarly View on its Authenticity: It is important to note that hadith scholars, including prominent figures like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Sheikh Al-Albani, have graded this hadith as weak (da’if). The chain of narration has weaknesses that prevent it from being definitively attributed to the Prophet (ﷺ) with certainty.
• The Practice of the Companions: Despite the weakness of the hadith, the story of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud himself on his deathbed is a powerful testament to his own belief in this virtue. When `Uthman ibn `Affan offered to grant him a stipend, he refused. When `Uthman expressed concern for his daughters after his death, Ibn Mas’ud replied, “Do you fear poverty for my daughters? I have commanded them to recite Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night. For I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, ‘Whoever recites Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night, poverty will never afflict him.'” This shows that this great companion had immense `yaqeen` in this practice.

2. One of the Surahs that Aged the Prophet (ﷺ)

The profound gravity and spiritual weight of Surah Al-Waqi’ah are underscored by its inclusion in the list of Surahs that had a visible physical impact on the Prophet (ﷺ).

• The Hadith: As mentioned previously, when Abu Bakr asked the Prophet (ﷺ) why his hair had turned grey, he replied that he had been aged by Surah Hud and its “sisters,” explicitly naming Surah Al-Waqi’ah among them.

  Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi (3297), Sahih.

• The Virtue: This authentic hadith is a powerful testament to the Surah’s immense spiritual significance. Its descriptions of the Day of Judgment are so powerful and real that they affected the most perfect of creation. The virtue of reciting this Surah is to connect with this prophetic gravity, to allow its message to shake our own hearts out of heedlessness.

Reflection: How do we reconcile the weak hadith about poverty with the strong practice of the companions? The scholarly approach is to understand that the true protection from poverty comes from the Surah’s transformative message. It cures the heart from the love of the `dunya` and fills it with `yaqeen` in the `akhirah`. A person with such a heart can never be truly “poor,” as their richness is in their faith. Furthermore, a believer who recites it and is moved by its message will be more inclined to trust in Allah as the Provider (`Ar-Razzaq`) and to engage in the righteous deeds that bring `barakah` (blessing) to one’s sustenance. The recitation is the cause, and the protection from poverty is the blessed effect.

Concluding Takeaway: Embrace the nightly recitation of Surah Al-Waqi’ah. Do so, not based on a weak hadith alone, but because you are following the example of a great companion like Ibn Mas’ud, and because you are engaging with a Surah whose power aged the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Recite it with the dual intention of seeking its spiritual impact (a cure for heedlessness) and with a sincere hope in Allah’s promise to provide for those who trust in Him.

🌈 Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Waqi’ah

Reciting and internalizing the powerful message of Surah Al-Waqi’ah offers a multitude of benefits that address both our worldly anxieties and our eternal aspirations. It is a Surah that brings both peace to the heart and a powerful motivation to the soul.

Reflection: The benefits of Surah Al-Waqi’ah are beautifully interconnected. The powerful reminder of the Hereafter is what detaches the heart from the `dunya`. This detachment is what cures the fear of poverty. A heart free from this fear is then able to focus on the true goal: striving to be among `As-Sabiqun`. It is a complete system for spiritual re-prioritization.

Concluding Takeaway: To gain these benefits, approach the Surah with a holistic intention. Recite it at night seeking both the worldly benefit of protection from poverty and the otherworldly benefit of a heart awakened to the reality of the Hereafter. Let it be a source of both your worldly peace and your eternal aspiration.

💫 Hidden Rewards in the Recitation of Surah Al-Waqi’ah

While Surah Al-Waqi’ah vividly describes the rewards of Paradise, it contains a subtle yet profound “hidden reward” that is a special honor reserved for the highest class of believers: `As-Sabiqun` (The Foremost). This reward is not just a place in Paradise, but a unique and honored identity as the `Muqarrabun`—those who are brought near to Allah.

This reward is revealed in the opening classification of humanity:

وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ * أُولَٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ * فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ

“And the foremost, the foremost – Those are the ones brought near [to Allah] (`al-muqarrabun`), In the Gardens of Pleasure.” (Qur’an, 56:10-12)

The Hidden Reward: The Station of `Qurb` (Divine Nearness)

The hidden reward is this elite station of `qurb` (nearness). It is the ultimate prize of the spiritual journey, a reward that transcends the physical pleasures of Paradise and enters the realm of divine intimacy.

• It is a Station of Honor: To be “brought near” to the King of all kings is the highest possible honor. It implies a level of access, intimacy, and love that is reserved for the most beloved of His servants.
• Who are `As-Sabiqun`?: The Surah tells us that they are a “multitude from the first generations, and a few from the later ones.” Scholars explain that these are the prophets and the most sincere and dedicated followers from every generation who were “foremost” in their faith, their good deeds, their sacrifices, and their turning to Allah.
• It is More than Just Paradise: The Companions of the Right are also in Paradise. But the reward for `As-Sabiqun` is defined first by their *relationship* to Allah (`al-muqarrabun`) and then by their *location* (`fi jannatin-na’im`). This teaches that the ultimate reward is not the gift, but the closeness to the Giver.

Why is this Reward “Hidden”?

It’s hidden because its nature is purely spiritual and relational. We can imagine thrones, fruits, and rivers, but the reality of being “brought near” to Allah is a state of honor and intimacy that is beyond our worldly comprehension. It is the ultimate secret of the Hereafter, the true “VIP experience” of Paradise. The Surah gives us a glimpse of this station to create a powerful sense of spiritual aspiration (`himma`). It is a call to a higher level of ambition—not to just scrape by and enter Jannah, but to race to be in the very front rank.

Reflection: This is a powerful and motivating reframe of our spiritual goals. It’s the difference between wanting a passing grade and wanting to be the valedictorian. Surah Al-Waqi’ah is calling us to aim for the highest honor, to compete in the race of righteousness with the intention of being among the foremost.

Concluding Takeaway: Don’t just read about `As-Sabiqun`; aspire to be one of them. Let this Surah be your motivation. Make this your `dua`: “O Allah, by Your mercy, make me one of `As-Sabiqun al-Muqarrabun`—the foremost who are brought near to You.” This is the greatest hidden reward you can seek from Surah Al-Waqi’ah.

🕰️ When to Recite Surah Al-Waqi’ah: Recommended Times

The most famous and widely practiced recommendation for reciting Surah Al-Waqi’ah is tied to a specific time: every night. This practice is based on the well-known hadith and the example of the great companion Abdullah ibn Mas’ud.

1. Every Night Before Going to Sleep

This is the primary recommended time for the recitation of Surah Al-Waqi’ah, with the specific intention of seeking protection from poverty.

• The Practice: To recite the entire Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night, between the Maghrib and Fajr prayers. Many find it convenient to recite it after the Isha prayer as part of their nightly routine.
• The Basis: This is based on the hadith, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night, poverty will never afflict him.” As discussed earlier, while the hadith itself is graded as weak, the personal practice and powerful testimony of a great companion like Ibn Mas’ud give this tradition immense weight in the hearts of the believers.
• The Wisdom: The nightly recitation of this Surah is a powerful spiritual practice.
  • A `Dunya`-Detox: It ends the day with a powerful reminder of the Hereafter, which helps to detox the heart from the worldly concerns and attachments that have accumulated during the day.
  • A `Rizq`-Reminder: It reinforces the lesson that true wealth is with Allah and that our provision is ultimately from Him, which is the spiritual key to attracting `barakah` and dispelling the fear of poverty.
  • A `Yaqeen`-Booster: It serves as a daily dose of `yaqeen` (certainty) in the resurrection, keeping this foundational belief fresh and alive in the heart.

2. In the Fajr Prayer

As part of the `Mufassal` section of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a suitable and powerful choice for recitation in the Fajr prayer.

• The General Sunnah: The Prophet (ﷺ) would often recite from this section of the Qur’an in Fajr. Reciting Surah Al-Waqi’ah in the Fajr prayer is a beautiful way to connect with the general spirit of his Sunnah.
• The Wisdom: Starting the day with the “Inevitable Event” is a powerful way to set one’s priorities straight. It frames the entire day’s striving within the context of the ultimate sorting into the three groups, motivating the believer to spend their day in a way that places them among the Companions of the Right, or even the Foremost.

Reflection: The emphasis on the nightly recitation of this Surah is particularly profound. Sleep is the “minor death.” To recite the Surah of the “Inevitable Event” before this minor death is a powerful act of preparation for the major one. It is as if one is rehearsing for their final meeting with their Lord every single night.

Concluding Takeaway: The most direct way to connect with the virtues of this Surah is to establish the habit of its nightly recitation. You don’t have to do it perfectly from the beginning. Start by listening to a recitation on your phone before you sleep. Then move on to reading it. Make the intention to follow the advice of Ibn Mas’ud and seek both the spiritual and worldly blessings that this powerful practice entails.

🔥 Transformative Impact of Surah Al-Waqi’ah on Heart and Soul

Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a chapter of profound and dramatic impact. Its powerful imagery and stark contrasts are designed to shake the soul from its foundations, demolishing the illusions of this world and rebuilding the heart on the unshakeable bedrock of the Hereafter. Its effect is a complete re-prioritization of one’s entire existence.

1. It Cures the Disease of `Tul al-Amal` (False Hopes)

The Surah’s very name and its explosive opening (“When the Inevitable Event occurs…”) are a direct assault on the soul’s tendency to have “tul al-amal”—the false hope that one has a long life ahead and plenty of time to repent.

• The Impact: The Surah instills a powerful sense of urgency. It purifies the heart from procrastination. The soul that regularly visits the scenes of Al-Waqi’ah understands that its time is limited and that the accounting is certain. This transforms the soul from a state of lazy deferment to one of proactive, urgent striving.

2. It Replaces Love of the `Dunya` with Aspiration for the `Akhirah`

The Surah masterfully contrasts the fleeting, often problematic pleasures of this world with the perfect, eternal, and blissful rewards of the next.

• The Impact: The detailed, sensory-rich descriptions of Paradise—the thrones, the fruits, the pure companions, the absence of ill speech—are designed to make the `Akhirah` more desirable to the soul than the `dunya`. This has a powerful detoxifying effect. It purifies the heart from an unhealthy attachment to worldly possessions and status, and fills it with a noble and motivating aspiration for the eternal success.

3. It Instills a Deep Sense of Humility and Awe

The Surah’s powerful questions to humanity—”Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?”—have a deeply humbling effect.

• The Impact: These questions dismantle the ego’s illusion of control and self-sufficiency. The soul is transformed from a state of arrogance to one of profound humility and awe before the Creator of the most basic elements of its life. This humility is the foundation of all true worship.

4. It Creates a Soul that is Accountable for its Actions

The clear sorting of humanity into three groups based on their deeds has a powerful impact on the soul’s sense of personal responsibility.

• The Impact: The soul learns that its eternal destiny is not a matter of chance or lineage, but the direct result of its own striving. This purifies the heart from the tendency to blame others or circumstances, and fosters a powerful sense of ownership over one’s own spiritual journey.

Reflection: The overall transformation offered by Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a journey from a `dunya`-centric worldview to an `akhira`-centric one. It is a Surah that doesn’t just ask you to believe in the Hereafter; it makes you *want* the Hereafter. It makes the rewards of Paradise so appealing and the consequences of denial so terrifying that the soul is naturally and powerfully reoriented towards its true home.

Concluding Takeaway: Let Surah Al-Waqi’ah be the Surah that awakens your spiritual ambition. Don’t just read about the station of `As-Sabiqun`; let it ignite a fire in your heart to strive for that level of excellence. Let the Surah transform you from someone who is merely trying to avoid Hell to someone who is actively racing towards the highest ranks of Paradise.

🌺 Multi-faceted Benefits of Surah Al-Waqi’ah for the Believer

Surah Al-Waqi’ah, the Surah of the Inevitable, provides a comprehensive set of benefits that strengthen a believer’s faith, guide their daily perspective, and offer a powerful vision of their ultimate destiny. It is a Surah that addresses both the heart’s anxieties and its highest aspirations.

1. A Source of `Yaqeen` (Certainty) in the `Akhirah`

This is the Surah’s foremost benefit, providing a powerful, multi-pronged case for the reality of the Hereafter.

• Cinematic Vision: Its vivid, almost cinematic, description of the Day of Judgment makes the event a felt reality, moving it from an abstract concept to a certainty in the heart.
• Rational Proofs: The arguments from creation (sperm, seeds, water, fire) provide a logical and rational foundation for this belief, benefiting the believer by equipping them to deal with their own doubts and the skepticism of others.

2. A Spiritual and Worldly Safety Net

The Surah is renowned for its benefit related to sustenance and protection from poverty.

• Protection from `Faqr`: Based on the strong tradition from the companions, its nightly recitation is a powerful spiritual means of seeking protection from poverty and inviting `barakah` into one’s life.
• Cure for Fear of `Faqr`: Perhaps more importantly, it cures the spiritual poverty of a heart attached to the `dunya`, which is the root of the fear of financial poverty.

3. A Divine Roadmap to the Ranks of Paradise

The Surah benefits the believer by not just promising Paradise, but by detailing the different levels within it and the people who will inhabit them.

• A Call to Excellence: The description of `As-Sabiqun` (The Foremost) provides a powerful motivation to strive for the highest station of `ihsan` (excellence), rather than being content with the minimum.
• A Clear Vision of the Reward: The detailed descriptions of the gardens, thrones, fruits, and companions provide a clear and motivating goal that makes the struggles of this life worthwhile.

Reflection: The benefits of this Surah are beautifully structured to lead the believer on a complete journey. It provides the worldly peace of mind (protection from poverty) that allows the heart to focus on the ultimate goal, and then it provides the ultimate goal itself (the detailed vision of Paradise) as the motivation for the journey. It is a complete package for the striving believer.

Concluding Takeaway: To reap these benefits, engage with the Surah as a roadmap. Use its warnings about the Companions of the Left to guide you away from the cliffs of sin. Use its description of the Companions of the Right as your safe and steady path. And use its vision of the Foremost as your North Star, the highest point to which you aspire.

🏰 Surah Al-Waqi’ah: A Fortress for Strengthening Faith (Iman)

Surah Al-Waqi’ah serves as a mighty fortress for a believer’s faith, constructed with the powerful materials of irrefutable logic, divine authority, and the sheer, overwhelming reality of the Hereafter. It is designed to protect the Iman from the most insidious of all spiritual diseases: `ghaflah` (heedlessness) about our final destination.

1. The Foundation: The Inevitable Event

The fortress is built on the unshakable foundation of the Surah’s opening declaration.

إِذَا وَقَعَتِ الْوَاقِعَةُ * لَيْسَ لِوَقْعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ

“When the Inevitable Event occurs, There is, to its occurrence, no denial.” (Qur’an, 56:1-2)

This foundation is absolute. It is not a prediction; it is a statement of fact. The name itself, `Al-Waqi’ah`, means the event that is certain to fall or occur. This protects a believer’s Iman by grounding it in a future that is as certain as the past. It is not a matter of “if,” but only “when.”

2. The Walls: The Irrefutable Proofs of Creation

The walls of this fortress are built from the solid bricks of everyday, observable miracles that prove Allah’s power to recreate. The Surah’s series of questions about our own creation, the food we grow, the water we drink, and the fire we use are the components of these walls.

“Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?” (56:59)

These walls are strong because they are built from reason and observation. They protect the Iman from the attacks of a materialistic worldview that denies the possibility of resurrection. The Surah powerfully argues that to deny resurrection is to deny the evidence of your own daily life.

3. The Watchtower: The Exalted Status of the Qur’an

The watchtower of this fortress is the high and noble station of the Qur’an itself, from which the believer can view the ultimate source of their certainty.

إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ * فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ

“Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, In a Register well-protected.” (Qur’an, 56:77-78)

From this watchtower, the believer sees that the source of all this information—the detailed descriptions of the Hereafter, the logical proofs—is not a human book, but a Noble (`Karim`) Qur’an from a Protected (`Maknun`) Source. This protects the Iman by giving it the ultimate authority. Our belief in the Hereafter is not based on speculation, but on a direct, protected transmission from the Lord of the Worlds Himself.

Reflection: The fortress of Surah Al-Waqi’ah is one of complete intellectual and spiritual security. Its foundation is a certain future. Its walls are built from the evidence of the present. And its watchtower points to the divine source of its knowledge from the past. It is a fortress that secures our faith across all dimensions of time.

Concluding Takeaway: When your Iman in the Hereafter feels weak or abstract, take refuge in the fortress of Surah Al-Waqi’ah. Re-read its powerful opening to feel the certainty of the event. Reflect on its logical proofs from creation to satisfy your mind. And remind yourself of the Qur’an’s noble origin to secure your heart. Let this Surah be your complete defense against the disease of doubt.

🔄 How Surah Al-Waqi’ah Transforms Daily Life

The powerful, Hereafter-focused message of Surah Al-Waqi’ah is not meant to make us abandon our daily lives, but to fundamentally transform our relationship with them. It infuses our mundane routines with a sense of wonder and our life’s ambitions with a new, eternal perspective.

From a Morning Coffee to a Moment of `Tadabbur`

• The Modern Challenge: Our daily routines are often mindless. We drink our morning coffee or tea without a second thought, seeing it as just a simple liquid to get us started for the day.
• The Surah’s Solution: The verse “And have you seen the water that you drink? Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down?” (56:68-69) transforms this daily habit. Your morning cup of water or coffee becomes an opportunity for a profound reflection (`tadabbur`). You are forced to acknowledge that this simple liquid is a miracle, a gift sent from the heavens by Allah. This simple, daily shift in perspective turns a mindless routine into a conscious act of gratitude and worship.

From “Career Ladder” to the Race of `As-Sabiqun`

• The Modern Challenge: Our daily lives are often defined by the ambition to climb the corporate or social ladder. We compete for promotions, status, and recognition.
• The Surah’s Solution: The classification of humanity into three groups, with the highest being `As-Sabiqun` (The Foremost), transforms our daily ambition. The real race is not for the corner office, but for the front rank on the Day of Judgment. This doesn’t mean you stop striving for excellence in your career, but it changes your `niyyah` (intention). You strive to be the best in your field so you can use that position to do more good, to be “foremost” in charity, in justice, and in serving creation. It turns worldly ambition into a vehicle for otherworldly success.

From Extravagance to Mindful Consumption

• The Modern Challenge: We live in a consumerist culture that encourages indulgence and luxury (`itraf`). We are constantly tempted to buy more than we need and to live a life of ease and extravagance.
• The Surah’s Solution: The stark declaration that the Companions of the Left were those who were “indulging in luxury” (`mutrafin`) is a powerful daily check on our habits. It transforms our daily purchasing decisions. Before making an extravagant purchase, the believer is prompted to ask: “Is this a necessity, a simple comfort, or is it a form of `itraf` that could make me heedless?” This fosters a more mindful, simple, and grateful lifestyle.

Reflection: Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a powerful tool for infusing our daily, materialistic lives with a profound spiritual consciousness. It takes the most ordinary things—drinking water, working, shopping—and turns them into moments of reflection, ambition for the Hereafter, and accountability.

Concluding Takeaway: For one week, try to practice the “Water `Tadabbur`.” Every time you drink a glass of water, consciously pause for a moment and reflect on the questions from verses 68-69. Acknowledge that this life-giving liquid is a direct gift from Allah. This simple, daily habit is a powerful way to bring the transformative message of Surah Al-Waqi’ah into your life.

🕌 Incorporating Surah Al-Waqi’ah into Daily Worship

To truly benefit from the immense spiritual power of Surah Al-Waqi’ah, we must make its recitation and its core themes a consistent and conscious part of our daily worship. This turns its powerful message into a source of nightly reflection and daily motivation.

1. The Nightly Recitation: A Sunnah of the Salaf

This is the most direct and widely practiced act of worship associated with the Surah.

• The Practice: Make it a personal goal to recite Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night. This can be done after the Isha prayer or just before sleeping.
• The Intention: Do so with a multi-faceted intention:
  1. To follow the guidance and `yaqeen` of the great companion Abdullah ibn Mas’ud.
  2. To seek Allah’s protection from the spiritual and worldly harms of poverty, and to ask for `barakah` in your sustenance.
  3. To end your day with a powerful reminder of the Hereafter, purifying your heart before the “minor death” of sleep.

2. The “Three Groups” Self-Assessment in Dua

Use the Surah’s powerful classification of humanity as a framework for your personal supplications.

• A Specific Dua: In your `sujud` or after your prayers, make this specific `dua`: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from being among the Companions of the Left (`Ashab al-Shimal`). O Allah, by Your mercy, make me one of the Companions of the Right (`Ashab al-Yamin`). And O Allah, by Your grace and bounty, elevate me to be among the Foremost, the nearest to You (`As-Sabiqun al-Muqarrabun`).”
• This is an act of `muhasabah`: This `dua` is a powerful form of self-assessment, where you are consciously choosing your spiritual aspiration and asking for Allah’s help to achieve it.

3. Reflection on the “Everyday Miracles”

Incorporate the `tafakkur` (reflection) that the Surah calls for into your daily life as a form of worship.

• The Practice: Connect your daily acts to the verses. When you are eating, reflect on the verse about the seeds. When you are drinking, reflect on the verse about the water.
• Transforming `Shukr`: This turns your gratitude (`shukr`) from a simple “Alhamdulillah” into a deeper, more profound appreciation for the miraculous processes that Allah has put in place to sustain you. Your meal becomes a tafsir of Surah Al-Waqi’ah.

Reflection: Incorporation is about making the Surah’s message a daily reality. The nightly recitation becomes your spiritual anchor. The three groups become your spiritual compass. And the everyday miracles become your constant source of remembrance. This is how the Surah that aged the Prophet (ﷺ) can bring your own heart to life.

Concluding Takeaway: Start with the nightly recitation. Don’t feel pressured to do it perfectly. If you can’t read Arabic fluently, listen to a beautiful recitation while following the translation. The key is consistency. Let the powerful words of Surah Al-Waqi’ah be the last thing your heart connects with before you sleep, and watch how it transforms your perspective on the day to come.

💡 Reflection and Inspiration

Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a divine earthquake. It is a chapter that shakes the very foundations of our worldly attachments and shatters the illusion that this life is a permanent reality. It is a Surah of such immense gravity and power that its recitation left its mark on the blessed face of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), a testament to the weight of the truths it contains.

It is a Surah that transports us. We stand with it at the precipice of the end of time, feeling the earth tremble and watching the mountains turn to dust. We are then taken on a breathtaking tour of the eternal abodes, witnessing the three distinct destinies that await all of humanity. We see the unimaginable bliss of the Foremost, the peaceful joy of the Companions of the Right, and the terrifying, hopeless torment of the Companions of the Left. We are not just told; we are shown.

To journey through Surah Al-Waqi’ah is to be humbled, awakened, and profoundly motivated. It is to be reminded that every glass of water is a miracle, every seed a sign, and every moment an opportunity to build our eternal home. It is a call to abandon the life of heedless luxury and to join the race of the righteous. It is a promise that a life of `yaqeen` (certainty) in the Hereafter is the ultimate protection from all forms of poverty in this life. It is, in its essence, the Inevitable News of the Inevitable Event, a merciful and urgent call to prepare before it is too late.

Reflection: The Surah begins with the destruction of the old world and ends with the glorification of the Lord who will create the new one. The entire Surah is the story of this great transition, and the choice we must make to be on the right side of it.

Concluding Takeaway: Let Surah Al-Waqi’ah be the Surah that awakens your heart and focuses your ambition. Let its powerful descriptions be etched in your mind, guiding your choices. Recite it nightly, not as a magic charm for wealth, but as the ultimate spiritual investment in a richness that never fades: the richness of a heart that is certain of its meeting with the Lord.

🧠 Scholarly Insights and Reflections on Surah Al-Waqi’ah

The powerful themes and specific virtues of Surah Al-Waqi’ah have made it a subject of deep reflection for Islamic scholars, who have sought to explain its wisdom and the mechanisms behind its blessed effects.

Imam Ibn Kathir (d. 1373 CE)

In his Tafsir, when discussing the famous hadith about the Surah protecting from poverty, Ibn Kathir, after noting its weakness, provides a profound insight into the practice of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:

“What is meant is that the daughters of Ibn Mas’ud had `yaqeen` (certainty) in what their father told them. A heart that is rich with certainty in the Hereafter and trust in Allah as the Provider is a heart that can never be truly afflicted by the spiritual disease of `faqr` (poverty, neediness). This is the true protection.”

This scholarly reflection shifts the focus from a magical effect to a psychological and spiritual transformation. The Surah protects from poverty by curing the fear of poverty and creating a rich heart.

Imam Al-Ghazali (d. 1111 CE)

In his “Ihya’ `Ulum al-Din,” Al-Ghazali discusses the importance of `tafakkur` (reflection) as an act of worship. The series of questions in Surah Al-Waqi’ah are a perfect example of this. He explains the principle:

“Reflection is a lamp for the heart. Through it, the good and evil of one’s actions and the benefit and harm of one’s beliefs become clear… When the Qur’an commands you to ‘look’ or ‘see,’ it is not a command for the eye, but for the heart’s insight (`basirah`). To see the water and not see the Giver of water is a form of blindness. Surah Al-Waqi’ah is a cure for this blindness.”

He shows that the Surah’s questions are designed to trigger this deeper form of seeing, which is a high form of worship.

Sayyid Qutb (d. 1966 CE)

In “Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an,” Sayyid Qutb offers a powerful reflection on the description of `As-Sabiqun` (The Foremost):

“They are the foremost… A special group, a select few. The description creates a powerful spiritual aspiration, a competitive spirit for the sake of Allah (`tanāfus`). The Qur’an does not just call to salvation; it calls to excellence. It opens the door to the highest possible ambition a human soul can have: not just to be in Paradise, but to be in the very front rank, nearest to the Throne. This is a call to a life of supreme effort and supreme honor.”

He captures the motivating, ambition-stoking power of this classification, showing that it is a divine call to the highest level of spiritual striving.

Reflection: The scholars guide us to a mature and profound understanding of the Surah’s virtues. Ibn Kathir explains the true meaning of “protection from poverty.” Al-Ghazali shows us the worship of reflection that the Surah commands. And Sayyid Qutb reveals the spiritual ambition that the Surah is meant to ignite. They show us a Surah that is a complete program for spiritual transformation.

Concluding Takeaway: Reading these scholarly insights adds immense depth to your recitation. The next time you recite the Surah at night, remember Ibn Kathir’s words and intend for it to make your heart “rich” with `yaqeen`. When you read the questions about creation, remember Al-Ghazali and engage in the worship of `tafakkur`. And when you read about `As-Sabiqun`, let Sayyid Qutb’s words inspire your ambition. This will make your relationship with the Surah a more profound and life-altering one.

🌟 Conclusion – Reflecting on the Virtues of Surah Al-Waqi’ah

Surah Al-Waqi’ah is the divine announcement of the Inevitable Event, a chapter of such spiritual gravity that it contributed to the graying of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) blessed hair. It is a powerful, cinematic, and deeply moving preview of the final sorting of humanity, a Surah that shakes the soul from its foundations and reorients it towards the ultimate reality.

Its virtues are as profound as its message. It is famously known as a spiritual shield against poverty, a practice cherished by the great companions. More deeply, it is a divine cure for the spiritual poverty of a heart engrossed in the `dunya`, replacing anxiety with the richness of `yaqeen` (certainty). It is a call to the highest level of spiritual ambition, inviting us not just to be saved, but to race to be among `As-Sabiqun`, the Foremost, those who are brought near to their Lord.

To engage with Surah Al-Waqi’ah is to be awakened. It is to see the everyday miracles we take for granted—a drop of water, a sprouting seed—as undeniable proofs of the Hereafter. It is to feel the urgency of our limited time and the weight of our accountability. And it is to be filled with a profound and motivating vision of the eternal bliss that awaits the righteous. It is the ultimate reality check, a merciful and powerful call from our Creator to prepare for the Day when some will be brought low, and others will be exalted.

Reflection: The Surah begins with the earth-shattering event that will reorder the world and ends with the command to glorify the name of our Lord, the “Great” (`Al-Azim`). The journey between these two points is a journey of recognizing His greatness, so that we may be among those who are exalted, not brought low, when that great event occurs.

Concluding Takeaway: Let Surah Al-Waqi’ah be your nightly companion. Let it be the anchor that secures your heart in the certainty of the Hereafter and the cure that frees you from the anxieties of this world. Embrace its warnings, aspire to its rewards, and live a life of conscious preparation for the Inevitable Event.

🔍📜 Surah Al-Waqi’ah Key Verses For Deep Reflection (Tadabbur)

To truly connect with the heart-shaking power of Surah Al-Waqi’ah, we must pause and reflect deeply on its pivotal verses. This is the practice of Tadabbur, which transforms recitation into a profound and personal experience.

1. The Verse of the Foremost

وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ * أُولَٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ

Translation: “And the foremost, the foremost – Those are the ones brought near [to Allah].” (Qur’an, 56:10-11)

Commentary & Reflection: This is a call to the highest level of spiritual ambition. The repetition of `As-Sabiqun` is for emphasis and honor. These are not just those who were “early” to Islam, but those who are “foremost” in every good deed: in faith, in charity, in prayer, in seeking knowledge. Their reward is not just Paradise; it is a station defined by a relationship: `al-muqarrabun` (the ones brought near). This teaches us that the ultimate goal is not a place, but a proximity. It is a powerful motivation to strive for excellence (`ihsan`) in all our acts of worship.

Personal Question for Tadabbur: In the different areas of my life, am I content with just “getting by” in my faith, or am I actively striving to be “foremost”? What is one area where I can increase my effort to join this race to be nearer to Allah?

2. The Verse of the Heedless Indulgence

إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُتْرَفِينَ

Translation: “Indeed, they were before that indulging in luxury (`mutrafin`).” (Qur’an, 56:45)

Commentary & Reflection: This is a terrifyingly concise diagnosis for the failure of the Companions of the Left. The word `mutrafin` does not just mean “wealthy.” It means those whose wealth has made them soft, arrogant, heedless, and forgetful of their accountability. It is a lifestyle of extravagance that numbs the soul to the reality of the Hereafter. This verse is a powerful warning that blessings, if not accompanied by gratitude and remembrance, can become the very cause of our ruin.

Personal Question for Tadabbur: Are there areas in my life where I am indulging in a way that is making me heedless? Is my comfort making me forgetful of Allah, the poor, and my ultimate purpose? How can I enjoy Allah’s blessings without becoming a `mutraf`?

3. The Verse of the Divine Challenge

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءَ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ * أَأَنتُمْ أَنزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنزِلُونَ * لَوْ نَشَاءُ جَعَلْنَاهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ

Translation: “And have you seen the water that you drink? Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down? If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful?” (Qur’an, 56:68-70)

Commentary & Reflection: This passage is a masterclass in `tadabbur`. It takes the most basic necessity of our daily life—a glass of water—and turns it into a profound sermon. It forces us to confront our own powerlessness. We did not create it. We cannot guarantee its continued existence. Even its quality (being fresh and not bitter) is a moment-by-moment mercy from Allah. The final question, `falawla tashkurun` (so why are you not grateful?), is a direct and piercing question to the soul.

Personal Question for Tadabbur: How many times a day do I drink water without a single thought of its source? How can I use this verse to transform this mindless habit into a conscious, daily act of `shukr` (gratitude)?

🙏🌺 Call To Action & Dua

You have journeyed through the powerful, awakening verses of Surah Al-Waqi’ah. You have witnessed the final sorting of humanity, learned the habits of the people of Paradise, and been reminded of the everyday miracles that prove the certainty of the Hereafter. Now is the time to let this “Inevitable” news shape your daily reality.

Your Call to Action This Week:

1. Establish the Nightly Recitation: The most powerful action you can take is to embrace the tradition of reciting Surah Al-Waqi’ah every night. Start this week. If reading is difficult, listen to a recitation. Do it with the intention of seeking Allah’s protection from all forms of poverty—especially the poverty of the heart—and to end your day with a powerful reminder of your ultimate destination.
2. Choose Your Group and Your Action: Look at the three groups described in the Surah. Consciously choose to be from `As-Sabiqun`. Then, identify one action of the Foremost that you can implement in your life. Perhaps it is striving for more excellence in your prayers, or being the first to give in charity, or the first to forgive. Take one small step this week to join the race of the Foremost.

Let Surah Al-Waqi’ah be the Surah that cures your heart of heedlessness and fills it with an unshakeable certainty. Let its vivid descriptions be your motivation and its powerful warnings be your guardrails. Embrace its call, prepare for the Inevitable Event, and strive to be among those who will be greeted with peace in the Gardens of Pleasure.

A Dua Inspired by Surah Al-Waqi’ah

“O Allah, Lord of the Inevitable Event! I seek refuge in You from being among the Companions of the Left, who were lost in luxury and denial.

Ya Rabb, by Your mercy, count me among the Companions of the Right.

And O my Lord, Al-Karim, by Your infinite grace and bounty, grant me the ambition and the ability to be among `As-Sabiqun al-Muqarrabun`—the Foremost who are brought near to You.

O Allah, open my eyes to the signs in my own creation, in the food I eat, and the water I drink. Grant me a heart that is ever-grateful. Protect me from all forms of poverty and enrich me with `yaqeen` in You. At the end of my journey, let my last act be to glorify Your Great Name. Ameen.”