Surah Al-Zalzalah, the 99th chapter of the Qur’an, carries only eight short verses but delivers a powerful message. It speaks of the Day of Judgment when the earth will shake violently, revealing everything hidden within. Through vivid imagery, the surah emphasizes accountability, urging every individual to reflect on their actions and the consequences they bring.
Scholars highlight the unique structure of this surah, where the earth itself acts as a witness. They stress the detailed depiction of life’s final reckoning and the unveiling of truths on that Day. Islamic thinkers often connect this chapter with the themes of justice and preparation for eternity. The emphasis on even the smallest deed being rewarded or judged has inspired consistent mindfulness in daily life.
Surah Al-Zalzalah encourages a deeper sense of self-awareness. It presents the undeniable reality of accountability, simplified for all to grasp. Its timeless message motivates individuals to focus on sincerity, perform good deeds consistently, and approach life with purpose. The impact of its words leaves a lasting impression, fostering a life aligned with ultimate success.
About Surah Al-Zalzalah
Para / Chapter | 30 |
Surah Name | Al-Zalzalah |
Classification | Medinan – Madani Surah |
Surah No | 99 |

Surah Al-Zalzalah: Transliteration, Urdu & English Translation, and Tafseer”
بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
ترجمہ: شروع اﷲ کے نام سے جو بڑا مہربان نہایت رحم والا (ہے)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
1-إِذَا زُلۡزِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زِلۡزَالَهَا
Izaa zul zilatil ardu zil zaalaha
ترجمہ:جب زمین تھرتھرا دی جائے گی جیسے اس کا تھرتھرانا طے ہے۔
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
Tafseer
This verse describes the cataclysmic event that will mark the beginning of the Day of Judgment. The earth will experience an unparalleled quake, dismantling its structure. This upheaval serves as a harbinger of the end, leaving no corner untouched. The force and intensity signify a divine intervention far beyond any natural phenomenon, shaking the very foundation of existence.
2-وَأَخۡرَجَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَثۡقَالَهَا
Wa akh rajatil ardu athqaalaha
ترجمہ: اور زمین اپنے بوجھ باہر پھینک دے گی۔
And the earth discharges its burdens
Tafseer
The earth will release everything buried within it. Bodies will rise from graves, hidden treasures will surface, and every secret action or event will emerge. This unveiling signifies a phase of absolute truth and transparency, where nothing remains concealed. The earth transforms into a witness, presenting records of human actions.
3-وَقَالَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ مَا لَهَا
Wa qaalal insaanu ma laha
ترجمہ: اور آدمی کہے گا:اسے کیا ہوا؟
And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?”
Tafseer
Humans, overwhelmed by the chaos, will ask in confusion about the earth’s state. This illustrates utter bewilderment and fear. The sudden realization of the divine plan leaves humanity desperate for answers. The portrayal here demonstrates how unprepared people will feel when the prophesied events unfold.
4-يَوۡمَئِذٖ تُحَدِّثُ أَخۡبَارَهَا
Yawmaa izin tuhaddithu akhbaaraha
ترجمہ: اس دن زمین اپنی سب خبریں بیان کردے گی
That Day, it will report its news
Tafseer
The earth narrates every occurrence that took place on its surface. Deeds performed, whether virtuous or wicked, become part of its testimony. The earth turns into an undeniable recorder, offering direct evidence of human actions. Every step, word, and choice will appear as plain facts, impossible to refute.
5-بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوۡحَىٰ لَهَا
Bi-anna rabbaka awhaa laha
ترجمہ: اس لئے کہ تیرے رب نے اسے حکم دیا ہوگا
ecause your Lord has commanded it.
Tafseer
This verse highlights the authority of Allah. The earth acts only upon the divine decree. Its obedience fulfills a pivotal role in establishing ultimate justice. This serves as a reminder of Allah’s supreme power, where all creations follow His will without exception.
6-يَوۡمَئِذٖ يَصۡدُرُ ٱلنَّاسُ أَشۡتَاتٗا لِّيُرَوۡاْ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ
Yawma iziny yas durun naasu ash tatal liyuraw a’maalahum
ترجمہ:اس روز لوگ مختلف جماعتیں ہو کر (واپس) لوٹیں گے تاکہ انہیں ان کے اعمال دکھا دیئے جائیں
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds.
Tafseer
Humanity will split into groups based on their deeds. The righteous find themselves separated from the wicked. Each faces their outcome directly, without the support of groups or alliances. This division underscores personal responsibility. It reminds each soul that accountability is not collective but individual.
7-فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيۡرٗا يَرَهُۥ
Famaiy ya’mal mithqala zarratin khai raiy-yarah
ترجمہ:پس جس نے ذره برابر نیکی کی ہوگی وه اسے دیکھ لے گا
So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,
Tafseer
Every good deed counts, no matter how small. The perfect justice of Allah ensures that no action goes unnoticed. Small acts of kindness, charity, or smiles will hold weight on this monumental day. This encourages believers to consistently perform good deeds.
8-وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖ شَرّٗا يَرَهُۥ
Wa maiy-y’amal mithqala zarratin sharraiy-yarah
ترجمہ:اور جس نے ذره برابر برائی کی ہوگی وه اسے دیکھ لے گا
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.
Tafseer
Likewise, no evil deed escapes the reckoning. Every misstep, even the lightest injustice, will appear before its doer. This verse completes the theme of accountability, reinforcing the idea that all actions shape an individual’s final fate.
Ayah (Verse) Number | Arabic Text | Transliteration | Urdu Translation | English Translation |
1 | إِذَا زُلۡزِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زِلۡزَالَهَا | Izaa zul zilatil ardu zil zaalaha | جب زمین تھرتھرا دی جائے گی جیسے اس کا تھرتھرانا طے ہے۔ | When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake |
2 | وَأَخۡرَجَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَثۡقَالَهَا | Wa akh rajatil ardu athqaalaha | اور زمین اپنے بوجھ باہر پھینک دے گی۔ | And the earth discharges its burdens |
3 | وَقَالَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ مَا لَهَا | Wa qaalal insaanu ma laha | اور آدمی کہے گا:اسے کیا ہوا؟ | And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” |
4 | يَوۡمَئِذٖ تُحَدِّثُ أَخۡبَارَهَا | Yawmaa izin tuhaddithu akhbaaraha | اس دن زمین اپنی سب خبریں بیان کردے گی | That Day, it will report its news |
5 | بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوۡحَىٰ لَهَا | Bi-anna rabbaka awhaa laha | اس لئے کہ تیرے رب نے اسے حکم دیا ہوگا | Because your Lord has commanded it. |
6 | يَوۡمَئِذٖ يَصۡدُرُ ٱلنَّاسُ أَشۡتَاتٗا لِّيُرَوۡاْ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ | Yawma iziny yas durun naasu ash tatal liyuraw a’maalahum | اس روز لوگ مختلف جماعتیں ہو کر (واپس) لوٹیں گے تاکہ انہیں ان کے اعمال دکھا دیئے جائیں | That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds. |
7 | فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيۡرٗا يَرَهُۥ | Famaiy ya’mal mithqala zarratin khai raiy-yarah | پس جس نے ذره برابر نیکی کی ہوگی وه اسے دیکھ لے گا | So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, |
8 | وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖ شَرّٗا يَرَهُۥ | Wa maiy-y’amal mithqala zarratin sharraiy-yarah | اور جس نے ذره برابر برائی کی ہوگی وه اسے دیکھ لے گا | And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. |
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Zalzalah
Accountability
The central theme of this chapter is accountability. Surah Al-Zalzalah underscores that Allah’s justice considers every action, no matter its size. This inspires the constant self-evaluation of behavior.
Responsibility
Each individual bears responsibility for their deeds. This shifts focus away from external blame to internal reflection. The surah urges individuals to actively pursue righteousness without depending on others to save them.
Temporary Nature of Life
The events on the Day of Judgment expose the fragile and transitional nature of worldly existence. Wealth, possessions, and power will lose value, replaced by the eternal consequences of faith and actions.
Eternal Record
The testimony of the earth demonstrates the permanence of records kept by Allah. Every act, no matter how hidden, will resurface. This realization prompts mindfulness and integrity in both private and public spaces.
Importance of Small Deeds
No deed is insignificant. The surah assures that every sincere effort receives divine acknowledgment. This attitude motivates believers to capture each moment for top, from sharing a grin to assisting.
Significance of Surah Al-Zalzalah
Surah Al-Zalzalah calls individuals to stay conscious, knowing that every action shapes their afterlife. The vibrant imagery of the earthquake and the earth turning into a witness reminds believers that the physical globe itself confirms divine justice. By specializing in deeds over appearances it instills a sense of ethical urgency. It additionally highlights Allah’s mercy, as even the smallest goodness will now not go unrewarded.
The surah encourages preparedness for standing earlier than Allah. This message resonates with every soul seeking readability on lifestyles’ cause. Its concise and direct wording leaves an indelible impact, urging believers to mirror often and act righteously.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Zalzalah brings profound insights into accountability, justice, and the afterlife. It paints a brilliant picture of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing that every action, massive or small, has outcomes. This surah inspires mindfulness and encourages believers to continuously attempt for goodness. Its relevance remains undying because it calls humanity toward a course of mirrored image, responsibility, and closing fulfillment within the hereafter.