Surah Naba is one of the most cited surahs daily. Muslims use it to reference powerful imagery of the Day of Judgement, rewards, and punishment. Among other widely cited verses that people hear plenty of times but maybe don’t know they belong to Naba, which by the way means “news”.
What’s the story with Naba, and how is it such a significant surah? Let’s find that below:
Benefits of Reciting Surah Naba
Natural Sleep Habits
You probably have heard of these famous verses: “and made your sleep for rest, and made the night as a cover,” (78:9-10)
Surah An-Naba is their reference. Today’s modern science is confirming more than ever the importance of Day and Night to the natural sleep habits for humans, something that the Holy Quran clearly cites in An-Naba.
Severe Punishment for Wrongdoers
Allah says: “˹So the deniers will be told,˺ “Taste ˹the punishment˺, for all you will get from Us is more torment.” (Quran 78:30). This verse responds to those who claim that the punishment of Hell’s inhabitants ends with their death; their punishment is never-ending.
Enhance Spiritual Awareness
It keeps the reality of the Afterlife and the Day of Judgment at the forefront of our minds, and it achieves this by quite vivid imagery that’s guaranteed to form an unforgettable image in our minds of the Hereafter.
For example, righteous people are told about their reward, when they imagine it, they see Gardens, vineyards, maidens, cups of pure wine, and no idle talk. Simply a life to its utmost perfection.
Science Behind Mountain Stabilizers
Allah says: “and ˹made˺ the mountains as ˹its˺ pegs,” (78:7). This implies that the mountains have deep roots in the Earth, that can be as twice their height! Something that humanity took ages to discover.
Encouraging Reflection
Again the vivid description isn’t only for the rewarded Muslims, but also for disbelievers. Whoever isn’t following Allah’s path when reading this surah will see frightening things such as hell engulfing transgressors, deprivation of food and drink, only boiling water, and oozing pus!
Reading such a deliberate punishment should encourage some reflection on life choices and might inspire serious repentance.
Impact on the Prophet
It is one of the Suras that caused the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to grow old:
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq said: I asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), “What made you grow old?” He said, “Surat Hud, Al-Waqi’a, Al-Mursalat, ‘Amma Yatasa’aloon (An-Naba’), and Idha al-Shamsu Kuwwirat (Al-Takwir).”
Why was Surah An Naba revealed?
Let’s start by understanding the context or the story of this surah, before delving into its benefits to get a clear picture.
It’s the 78th surah of the Quran, a Meccan one that’s composed of 40 verses.
Also known as “Amma Yatasa’aloon,” or simply “Amma”, which is the first verse/Ayah of the surah.
It was revealed after Surah Al-Ma’arij, following the incident of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj (Ascension). The reason for its revelation is that the Meccan people, especially Quraysh tribe were questioning the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, the surah begins by asking:
“What are they asking one another about?” (78:1)
A few verses later, Allah confirms that these skeptics will come to know the truth.
“But no! They will come to know.” (73:4)
Mainly, An-Naba concerns itself with the questioning of disbelievers about the Day of Judgment or Al Qiyamah. It vividly describes the signs of the Last Day and the ultimate fate of humanity and serves as a reminder of the resurrection and the accountability that follows.
Themes of Surah Naba
- Meccan disbelievers questioning Allah and the message of Prophet Muhammad.
- The stubbornness and opposition Prophet Muhammad faced at the beginning of his da’wa.
- A warning to disbelievers for their denial of resurrection.
- Evidence of the Day of Judgment through manifestations of Allah’s power, Affirmation of Allah’s ability to resurrect the dead for the inevitable day of Judgement.
- Detailed events of the Day of Judgment, allow Muslims to imagine the grandeur of this day and fear it.
- The fate of those who disbelieve in Allah and deny the Hereafter.
- Vice versa, the believers who spent their life serving Allah are rewarded. “Indeed, the righteous will have salvation—” (78:31)
- The reality of the Hereafter and the regret of disbelievers on that day.
