SURAH 99 — Az-Zalzalah — الزلزلة — “The Earthquake”
• Revelation Order: 93
• Event Anchor: Late Medinan eschatological reminder (c. 628–631 CE)
Explanation:
Az-Zalzalah vividly describes the final earthquake and the exposure of every hidden deed. Although short, its tone reflects the late Medinan period when the Muslim community was established and verses focused increasingly on personal accountability rather than external opposition. Classical scholars place it late because its style and themes align with maturing ethical reminders directed toward an organized society preparing for the Prophet’s approaching death. The surah’s emphasis on individual responsibility corresponds to a phase when the laws were mostly complete, and the spiritual refinement of the community became a priority.
| Verse | Verse # | Meccan v Medinan | General Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake | 1 | Medinan | 6139 |
| And the earth discharges its burdens | 2 | Medinan | 6140 |
| And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” – | 3 | Medinan | 6141 |
| That Day, it will report its news | 4 | Medinan | 6142 |
| Because your Lord has commanded it. | 5 | Medinan | 6143 |
| That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds. | 6 | Medinan | 6144 |
| So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, | 7 | Medinan | 6145 |
| And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. | 8 | Medinan | 6146 |