SURAH 88 — Al-Ghāshiyah — الغاشية — “The Overwhelming Event”

• Revelation Order: 68
• Event Anchor: Late Meccan eschatological proclamation (c. 619–622 CE)

Explanation:
Al-Ghāshiyah presents vivid descriptions of the Day of Judgment alongside contrasts between the fate of believers and disbelievers. Its rhetorical force and extended eschatological imagery align with the late Meccan period, when the Prophet faced intense rejection and revelation increasingly emphasized accountability and ultimate justice. The surah also directly instructs Muhammad to continue preaching despite denial, matching the late-stage environment in which Quraysh’s resistance had fully solidified. Its tone reflects a messenger pushing through societal pressure with unwavering proclamation.

Verse	Verse #	Meccan v Medinan	General Index
Has there reached you the report of the Overwhelming [event]?	1	Meccan	5968
[Some] faces, that Day, will be humbled,	2	Meccan	5969
Working [hard] and exhausted.	3	Meccan	5970
They will [enter to] burn in an intensely hot Fire.	4	Meccan	5971
They will be given drink from a boiling spring.	5	Meccan	5972
For them there will be no food except from a poisonous, thorny plant	6	Meccan	5973
Which neither nourishes nor avails against hunger.	7	Meccan	5974
[Other] faces, that Day, will show pleasure.	8	Meccan	5975
With their effort [they are] satisfied	9	Meccan	5976
In an elevated garden,	10	Meccan	5977
Wherein they will hear no unsuitable speech.	11	Meccan	5978
Within it is a flowing spring.	12	Meccan	5979
Within it are couches raised high	13	Meccan	5980
And cups put in place	14	Meccan	5981
And cushions lined up	15	Meccan	5982
And carpets spread around.	16	Meccan	5983
Then do they not look at the camels – how they are created?	17	Meccan	5984
And at the sky – how it is raised?	18	Meccan	5985
And at the mountains – how they are erected?	19	Meccan	5986
And at the earth – how it is spread out?	20	Meccan	5987
So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder.	21	Meccan	5988
You are not over them a controller.	22	Meccan	5989
However, he who turns away and disbelieves –	23	Meccan	5990
Then Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment.	24	Meccan	5991
Indeed, to Us is their return.	25	Meccan	5992
Then indeed, upon Us is their account.	26	Meccan	5993