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

Surah Al-Qari’ah (Chapter 101) and Suratul-Takathur (Chapter 102) are two Makkan chapters of the Holy Quran. Al-Qari’ah has 11 verses and describes the Day of Judgment, when deeds will be weighed. At-Takathur has 8 verses and warns against being so busy gathering wealth and competing with others that we forget the life to come.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the meaning of the names Al-Qari’ah and At-Takathur;
• say how many verses each Surah has and where it was revealed;
• give the meaning of the verses of both Surahs in English;
• explain the main lessons of each Surah;
• describe how the two Surahs are connected;
• list ways of applying the teachings of the two Surahs in daily life.

What is Surah Al-Qari’ah?

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 of Surah Al-Qari’ah

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 should we study Surah Al-Qari’ah?

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.

What is Suratul-Takathur (The Competition)?

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 of Suratul-Takathur

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 should we study Suratul-Takathur?

This Surah teaches us to have the right view about worldly things. Money and nice things are not bad in themselves. The Surah warns us against making getting more and more our main goal in life. We should use what we have in ways that please Allah.

How are the two Surahs connected?

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 can we 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.

Evaluation

1. What do the names “Al-Qari’ah” and “At-Takathur” mean?
2. How many verses does each Surah have, and where was each revealed?
3. According to Surah Al-Qari’ah, what will people and mountains be like on the Day of Judgment?
4. What will happen to those whose scales of good deeds are heavy, and to those whose scales are light?
5. What does Suratul-Takathur warn us against?

Assignment

1. Write out the English meaning of the 11 verses of Surah Al-Qari’ah.
2. Explain two ways in which Surah Al-Qari’ah and Suratul-Takathur are connected.
3. List four ways in which a Muslim student can apply the teachings of these two Surahs.