✦ AT A GLANCE ✦
النبإ
An-Naba
✦ Why this name
The Great News — an-Naba, the thing the Makkans kept arguing about: the resurrection.
✦ When it came
Meccan. The opening quotes an argument already in progress — the surah begins mid-conversation.
✦ The story
*"About what are they asking one another? About the great news, concerning which they are in disagreement."*
Instead of answering directly, the surah takes you on a tour of things they had never questioned: the earth spread like a bed, the mountains as pegs, sleep as rest, night as a covering, day for livelihood, seven strong heavens above, a burning lamp, and water pouring from the clouds to bring out grain and plants and dense gardens.
Then: *"Indeed, the Day of Judgement is an appointed time."* The One who did all of that has set a date.
✦ How it unfolds
- AYAH 6-16
Look what you were given
The bed, the pegs, sleep, night, day, the seven heavens, the lamp, and the rain.
- AYAH 17-40
An appointed time
The horn, the sky opened as gateways, and gardens with grapevines for the God-conscious.