Suratul-Qariah: (Chapter 101) & Suratul-Takathur (Chapter 102) SS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Surah Al-Qari’ah is the 101st chapter of the Holy Quran. The name “Al-Qari’ah” means “The Striking Calamity” or “The Disaster.” This Surah has 11 verses and was revealed in Makkah. It talks about the Day of Judgment.

Meaning and Translation

1. The Striking Calamity!
2. What is the Striking Calamity?
3. And what will make you know what the Striking Calamity is?
4. It is a Day when people will be like scattered moths,
5. And the mountains will be like carded wool.
6. Then as for one whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy,
7. He will be in a pleasant life.
8. But as for one whose scales (of good deeds) are light,
9. His home will be in a bottomless Pit.
10. And what will make you know what that is?
11. It is a Fire, intensely hot.

Main Lessons from Surah Al-Qari’ah

1. The Day of Judgment is real: The Surah starts by talking about a great event that will shake the whole world. This is the Day of Judgment.
2. Everything will change: On that day, people will be confused and scared like moths flying around. Even the strong mountains will become soft like wool.
3. Our deeds will be weighed: Allah will weigh our good and bad deeds. This teaches us that everything we do in life is being recorded.
4. Two final destinations: People with many good deeds will go to Paradise and live happily. People with few good deeds will go to a very hot Fire (Hell).
5. Prepare for that day: Since we know about this day, we should do many good deeds now so our scales will be heavy with good deeds later.

Why We Should Study This Surah

This Surah reminds us that our life on Earth is not forever. One day, we will all be judged for what we did. If we remember this, we will be careful to do good things and stay away from bad things.

Part 2: Suratul-Takathur (The Competition)

Introduction

Suratul-Takathur is the 102nd chapter of the Holy Quran. The name “At-Takathur” means “The Competition in Worldly Increase” or “The Piling Up.” This Surah has 8 verses and was revealed in Makkah. It warns against being too focused on gathering wealth and competing with others.

Meaning and Translation

1. The competition to have more distracts you,
2. Until you visit the graves.
3. No! You will soon know.
4. Again, no! You will soon know.
5. No! If only you knew with certain knowledge.
6. You will surely see the Hellfire.
7. Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty.
8. Then you will surely be asked that Day about the pleasures (you enjoyed).

Main Lessons from Suratul-Takathur

1. Danger of materialism: This Surah warns us not to spend our whole life just trying to get more money, things, or status.
2. Life is short: No matter how much we collect, we will all end up in graves. Our wealth stays behind when we die.
3. Strong warning: The repeated warnings (“No! You will soon know”) show that this is a very serious matter.
4. Everyone will see the truth: On the Day of Judgment, everyone will clearly see the results of their actions.
5. We will be questioned: We will be asked about how we used the good things Allah gave us in this world.
6. Balance is needed: We should enjoy Allah’s gifts but not forget our duties to Allah and other people.

Why We Should Study This Surah

This Surah teaches us to have the right view about worldly things. It doesn’t say money or nice things are bad, but it warns us not to make getting more and more our main goal in life. Instead, we should use what we have in ways that please Allah.

Connecting the Two Surahs

These two Surahs work well together because:

1. Both talk about the afterlife and remind us that this world is temporary.
2. Both warn us about the consequences of our choices.
3. Surah Al-Qari’ah describes what will happen on Judgment Day, while Suratul-Takathur warns us about what could lead to a bad outcome on that day.
4. Together, they give us a complete picture: what we should avoid (being too focused on worldly gain) and what we should remember (the coming Judgment).

How to Apply These Teachings in Our Lives

1. Remember death regularly: This helps us stay humble and focused on what really matters.
2. Check our intentions: Are we doing things to show off or compete with others?
3. Be grateful: Thank Allah for what we have instead of always wanting more.
4. Share with others: Use our blessings to help people who have less.
5. Focus on good deeds: Build up our “account” of good actions for the Day of Judgment.
6. Recite these Surahs regularly: Reading these chapters often will help us remember their important messages.

Conclusion

Surah Al-Qari’ah and Suratul-Takathur give us important reminders about life’s true purpose. They teach us to look beyond this temporary world and prepare for the eternal life to come. By understanding and following these teachings, we can live better lives that will lead to happiness both now and in the Hereafter.