Surah Al-Haaqqah is a completely Makkan Surah. It was revealed after Surah Al-Mulk and before Surah Al-Ma'aarij. It consists of 51 verses, although some say it has 52.
Al-Imam Al-Alusi said: "Its Makkan origin is supported by a narration from Imam Ahmad on the authority of Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, who said: 'Before I became Muslim, I went out intending to confront the Prophet, but I found he had already entered the mosque. I stood behind him, and he began reciting Surah Al-Haaqqah. I was amazed by the structure of the Qur'an, and I thought to myself: By Allah, this is poetry! Then he recited, "It is not the word of a poet; little do you believe." [Surah Al-Haaqqah:41]. I thought: A soothsayer! Then he recited, "Nor is it the word of a soothsayer; little do you remember. [It is] a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds." [Surah Al-Haaqqah:42-43] until the end of the Surah. At that moment, Islam entered my heart".
This event suggests the Surah was revealed during the fourth or fifth year of the Prophet's mission since Umar may Allah be pleased with him accepted Islam around that time.
It is narrated by Abu Zuhayriyah from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "Whoever recites eleven verses from Surah Al-Haaqqah will be protected from the trial of the Dajjaal. And whoever recites it, it will serve as a light for him on the Day of Judgment, extending from above his head to his feet."
This noble Surah is rich in descriptions of the horrors of the Day of Judgment, the destruction of those who denied the truth, the states of the people of the right and the people of the left, and the many proofs that the Qur’an is from Allah Almighty. It also confirms that the Prophet peace upon him is truthful in what he conveys from his Lord.
The Surah is characterized by short, impactful verses that deeply affect the soul. Anyone who reflects on it feels its solemnity, seriousness, and the clear declaration that this religion is pure truth, free from falsehood. The Prophet’s message is entirely truthful, without a trace of deception.
This is evident in its title, its discussion of the fate of past nations, and its vivid depictions of the Day of Judgment that cause the heart to tremble.
The word Al-Haaqqah is derived from the verb haqqa, which means "to establish or affirm something with certainty." It is one of the names of the Day of Judgment because it is the time when all matters will be firmly established and proven true, in contrast to the disbelievers’ claim that there is no resurrection, reckoning, or reward.
Why Is It Called Al-Haaqqah?
1. Because it is inevitable: The Day of Judgment will occur without any doubt.
2. Because it determines outcomes: It establishes the truth for some people by granting them Paradise, while for others, it seals their fate in Hell.
3. Because it delivers justice: On that day, every person will receive their rightful reward or punishment based on their deeds.
4. Because it prevails over falsehood: The Day of Judgment eliminates all false arguments and proves the truth of Allah's religion.
Abdulwahab Ibn Yusuf Isah
Qur'an Chronicles
