Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah is primarily dedicated to proving the certainty of the Resurrection and divine recompense. Its purpose is to describe the terrifying signs of the Hour, particularly the earth’s confession, and to establish the principle of absolute, meticulous accountability for deeds, even those the size of an atom.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan according to the soundest view.

Context: The surah was revealed to counter the polytheists' denial of the Resurrection and their mockery of the idea that their scattered bodies could be gathered for judgment.

Chronology: According to those who considered it Madinan, it is the 94th surah in the order of revelation, after Sūrat al-Nisā’ and before al-Ḥadīd.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known as "Sūrat al-Zilzāl" and "Sūrat al-Zalzalah" (The Earthquake), as well as "Sūrat Idhā Zulzilat" (When It Is Shaken), in reference to the opening ayah.

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that Sūrat al-Zalzalah is equivalent to half of the Quran.

Ayah Count: 9 ayahs (Majority) or 8 (Kūfah).

Surah Overview:

• Affirming the certainty of the Resurrection and detailing the cosmic terror that precedes it. [1-3]
• Describing the earth's final act: expelling its contents (the dead) and speaking to testify to what happened on its surface. [2-4]
• Detailing the gathering of all people from their graves in scattered groups to face judgment. [6]
• Establishing the principle of absolute accountability and meticulous justice for every deed, no matter how minute. [7-8]