✖ Bilkisu Quranic Center ✖ Surah by Surah Series — Lesson 38
Surah No. 78 · The Great News — About What Do They Ask?
✨🌌النبأ
Surah An-Naba
“The Great News” — Signs of Divine Power, the Day of Decision, and the Regret of the Disbeliever
✨🌌 40 Verses — Amma Yatasa'alun · Seven Heavens · Yawm al-Fasl · Gardens for the Righteous · “I Wish I Were Dust”
٤٠Verses
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MakkiRevelation
٧٨Surah No.
📖 Complete Lesson✨ The Great News🎯 Tajweed🔤 Word by Word🧠 Quiz☀ Yawm al-Fasl
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38
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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
✨🌌 ‘Amma Yatasa'alun — About What Are They Asking?
Surah An-Naba opens with a striking rhetorical question: the disbelievers of Makkah were arguing and disputing among themselves about the Great News — the resurrection they doubted. Allah responds by pointing to His own creation as proof: the earth made as a resting place, mountains as pegs, humans created in pairs, sleep as rest, night as covering, day for livelihood, seven strong heavens above, and rain bringing forth crops. If Allah can create all this, resurrection is no harder. The Surah closes with the vivid Day of Decision (Yawm al-Fasl), ending in one of the Quran's most haunting lines: the disbeliever wishing he were mere dust.
📋 Complete Lesson Contents
01 Surah Overview & Key Facts02 Full Surah — Arabic & Translation03 Word by Word Breakdown04 Verse by Verse Explanation05 Tajweed Rules06 Pronunciation Guide07 Lessons from An-Naba08 Listen to Expert Reciters09 Virtues & When to Recite10 Memorization Steps11 Kids Corner ✨12 Interactive Quiz13 FAQ14 Hashtags15 Resources
Welcome to Lesson 38! Surah An-Naba takes its name from its opening question: “‘Amma yatasa'alun?” (About what are they asking one another?) — referring to the disbelievers' fierce disputes over the reality of resurrection. Rather than arguing back directly, Allah redirects attention to the visible proofs already surrounding every person: the sky, the mountains, sleep, day and night, rain and crops — each one a quiet testimony to a Creator capable of bringing the dead back to life.
The second half of the Surah shifts to the Day of Decision itself — the Trumpet blown, the mountains turned to mirage, Hell waiting as an ambush for the transgressors, and Paradise as the ultimate triumph for the righteous. The Surah closes with one of the most piercing lines in the entire Quran: on that Day, the disbeliever will look at his fate and cry out, wishing he had simply remained dust, never to have been raised at all.
1
Surah Overview & Key Facts
نظرة عامة| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Surah Name | النبأ — An-Naba (The Great News). Refers to the news of the resurrection that the disbelievers disputed. |
| Surah Number | 78 |
| Verses | 40 |
| Words | 174 |
| Letters | 776 |
| Revelation | Makki — early Makkan period |
| Juz | Juz 30 — Juz Amma (opening Surah of the Juz) |
| Signs of Creation | v.6–16: Earth as a resting place, mountains as pegs, humans in pairs, sleep as rest, night as covering, day for livelihood, seven strong heavens, a blazing lamp (the sun), rain pouring from clouds, crops and gardens. |
| Yawm al-Fasl | v.17–20: The Day of Decision has an appointed time — the Trumpet blown, people come in crowds, heaven opened into gates, mountains set moving like a mirage. |
| Hell Described | v.21–30: Hell as an ambush (mirsadan) and home for transgressors, staying for ages, tasting nothing but scalding water and pus, a fitting recompense for those who denied Our verses. |
| Paradise Described | v.31–36: Gardens, vineyards, companions of equal age, a full cup, no vain talk or lying — a reward and sufficient gift from your Lord. |
| Yawm al-Fasl Continued | v.37–40: The Day when the Spirit (Jibril) and the angels stand in ranks, no one speaks except by Allah's permission — and the disbeliever's haunting cry: “I wish I were dust!” |
✨
Why This Surah Opens Juz Amma
An-Naba serves as a fitting gateway to Juz Amma — its central argument (observable creation as proof of resurrection) sets the tone for the entire final portion of the Quran, which repeatedly uses vivid natural and cosmic imagery to argue for the reality of the Hereafter. Every Surah that follows builds on this same foundation.
2
Full Surah — Arabic, Transliteration & Translation
السورة الكاملة︶ ︷
Surah An-Naba — Complete Text (Surah 78) — 40 Verses
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
١
عَمَّ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
‘Amma yatasa'alun
“About what are they asking one another?”
٢
عَنِ النَّبَإِ الْعَظِيمِ
‘Ani n-naba'i l-‘aẓim
“About the great news.”
٣
الَّذِي هُمْ فِيهِ مُخْتَلِفُونَ
Alladhi hum fihi mukhtalifun
“Over which they are in disagreement.”
٤
كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ
Kalla saya‘lamun
“No! They are going to know.”
٥
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ
Thumma kalla saya‘lamun
“Then, no! They are going to know.”
٦
أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ الْأَرْضَ مِهَادًا
A-lam naj‘ali l-arḍa mihada
“Have We not made the earth as a resting place?”
٧
وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا
Wa-l-jibala awtada
“And the mountains as pegs?”
٨
وَخَلَقْنَاكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا
Wa-khalaqnakum azwaja
“And created you in pairs.”
٩
وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا
Wa-ja‘alna nawmakum subata
“And made your sleep for rest.”
١٠
وَجَعَلْنَا اللَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا
Wa-ja‘alna l-layla libasa
“And made the night as a covering.”
١١
وَجَعَلْنَا النَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا
Wa-ja‘alna n-nahara ma‘asha
“And made the day for livelihood.”
١٢
وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا
Wa-banayna fawqakum sab‘an shidada
“And built above you seven strong [heavens].”
١٣
وَجَعَلْنَا سِرَاجًا وَهَّاجًا
Wa-ja‘alna sirajan wahhaja
“And made a blazing lamp.”
١٤
وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْمُعْصِرَاتِ مَاءً ثَجَّاجًا
Wa-anzalna mina l-mu‘ṣirati ma'an thajjaja
“And sent down from the rain clouds pouring water.”
١٥
لِّنُخْرِجَ بِهِ حَبًّا وَنَبَاتًا
Li-nukhrija bihi ḥabban wa-nabata
“That We may bring forth thereby grain and vegetation.”
١٦
وَجَنَّاتٍ أَلْفَافًا
Wa-jannatin alfafa
“And gardens of thick foliage.”
١٧
إِنَّ يَوْمَ الْفَصْلِ كَانَ مِيقَاتًا
Inna yawma l-faṣli kana miqata
“Indeed, the Day of Decision is an appointed time.”
١٨
يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِي الصُّورِ فَتَأْتُونَ أَفْوَاجًا
Yawma yunfakhu fi ṣ-ṣuri fa-ta'tuna afwaja
“The Day the Trumpet is blown, and you come forth in crowds.”
١٩
وَفُتِحَتِ السَّمَاءُ فَكَانَتْ أَبْوَابًا
Wa-futiḥati s-sama'u fa-kanat abwaba
“And the heaven is opened and becomes gates.”
٢٠
وَسُيِّرَتِ الْجِبَالُ فَكَانَتْ سَرَابًا
Wa-suyyirati l-jibalu fa-kanat saraba
“And the mountains are set moving and become a mirage.”
٢١
إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا
Inna Jahannama kanat mirṣada
“Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait.”
٢٢
لِّلطَّاغِينَ مَآبًا
Li-ṭ-ṭaghina ma'aba
“For the transgressors, a place of return.”
٢٣
لَّابِثِينَ فِيهَا أَحْقَابًا
Labithina fiha aḥqaba
“They will remain therein for ages.”
٢٤
لَّا يَذُوقُونَ فِيهَا بَرْدًا وَلَا شَرَابًا
La yadhuquna fiha bardan wa-la sharaba
“They will not taste therein coolness or drink.”
٢٥
إِلَّا حَمِيمًا وَغَسَّاقًا
Illa ḥamiman wa-ghassaqa
“Except scalding water and pus.”
٢٦
جَزَاءً وِفَاقًا
Jaza'an wifaqa
“A fitting recompense.”
٢٧
إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا لَا يَرْجُونَ حِسَابًا
Innahum kanu la yarjuna ḥisaba
“Indeed, they did not expect an account.”
٢٨
وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كِذَّابًا
Wa-kadhdhabu bi-ayatina kidhdhaba
“And they denied Our verses with [emphatic] denial.”
٢٩
وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَاهُ كِتَابًا
Wa-kulla shay'in aḥṣaynahu kitaba
“But We have recorded everything in a book.”
٣٠
فَذُوقُوا فَلَن نَّزِيدَكُمْ إِلَّا عَذَابًا
Fa-dhuqu fa-lan nazidakum illa ‘adhaba
“So taste, and We will not increase you except in punishment.”
٣١
إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا
Inna li-l-muttaqina mafaza
“Indeed, for the righteous is attainment.”
٣٢
حَدَائِقَ وَأَعْنَابًا
Ḩada'iqa wa-a‘naba
“Gardens and grapevines.”
٣٣
وَكَوَاعِبَ أَتْرَابًا
Wa-kawa‘iba atraba
“And splendid companions of equal age.”
٣٤
وَكَأْسًا دِهَاقًا
Wa-ka'san dihaqa
“And a full cup.”
٣٥
لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا كِذَّابًا
La yasma‘una fiha laghwan wa-la kidhdhaba
“They will not hear therein vain talk or lying.”
٣٦
جَزَاءً مِّن رَّبِّكَ عَطَاءً حِسَابًا
Jaza'an min rabbika ‘aṭa'an ḥisaba
“A reward from your Lord, a sufficient gift.”
٣٧
رَّبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَٰنِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِنْهُ خِطَابًا
Rabbi s-samawati wa-l-arḍi wa-ma baynahuma r-raḥmani la yamlikuna minhu khiṭaba
“Lord of the heavens and earth and all between them, the Most Merciful — they have no power to address Him.”
٣٨
يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الرُّوحُ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ صَفًّا لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًا
Yawma yaqumu r-ruḥu wa-l-mala'ikatu ṣaffan la yatakallamuna illa man adhina lahu r-raḥmanu wa-qala ṣawaba
“The Day the Spirit and the angels stand in ranks; none will speak except one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is correct.”
٣٩
ذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمُ الْحَقُّ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ مَآبًا
Dhalika l-yawmu l-ḥaqqu fa-man sha'a ttakhadha ila rabbihi ma'aba
“That is the True Day; so whoever wills may take a return to his Lord.”
٤٠
إِنَّا أَنذَرْنَاكُمْ عَذَابًا قَرِيبًا يَوْمَ يَنظُرُ الْمَرْءُ مَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدَاهُ وَيَقُولُ الْكَافِرُ يَا لَيْتَنِي كُنتُ تُرَابًا
Inna andharnakum ‘adhaban qariban yawma yanẓuru l-mar'u ma qaddamat yadahu wa-yaqulu l-kafiru ya laytani kuntu turaba
“Indeed, We have warned you of a near punishment — the Day when one will see what his hands have sent forth, and the disbeliever will say, “Oh, I wish I were dust!””
3
Word by Word Breakdown
كلمة بكلمةFocused on verses 6–12, the signs of creation:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning | Root |
|---|---|---|---|
| مِهَادًا | mihada | a resting place | م ه د |
| أَوْتَادًا | awtada | pegs | و ت د |
| أَزْوَاجًا | azwaja | pairs | ز و ج |
| سُبَاتًا | subata | rest | س ب ت |
| لِبَاسًا | libasa | a covering | ل ب س |
| مَعَاشًا | ma‘asha | livelihood | ع ي ش |
💡
A Pattern of Proof
Notice how each verse in this passage follows the same structure: “We made/created...” — a rhythmic repetition that builds an overwhelming case. Seven consecutive proofs of divine power and design, all pointing to one conclusion: the One who arranged all this with such precision can certainly resurrect the dead.
4
Verse by Verse Explanation with Tajweed
شرح آية آية١
عَمَّ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
‘Amma yatasa'alun
“About what are they asking one another?”
The Surah opens mid-conversation, as if we're dropping into a heated dispute already in progress — capturing the intensity of Quraysh's arguments over resurrection, whether mockingly or in genuine confusion.
Tajweed Focus
Madd MuttasilElongation on the hamzah in "yatasa'alun" held 4-5 counts
١٢
وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا
Wa-banayna fawqakum sab‘an shidada
“And built above you seven strong [heavens].”
A reference to the seven heavens, described as "shidad" (strong/firm) — emphasizing their structural perfection and durability, a scientific and spiritual marvel referenced throughout the Quran.
Tajweed Focus
IdghamNoon sakinah in "sab‘an" merges with following letter
٢١
إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا
Inna Jahannama kanat mirṣada
“Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait.”
"Mirsad" evokes the image of an ambush point — Hell is not merely a destination but an active watchpost prepared specifically for those who transgress, waiting with purpose.
Tajweed Focus
QalqalahThe Dal in "mirṣadan" carries a bouncing echo at word end
٣٠
فَذُوقُوا فَلَن نَّزِيدَكُمْ إِلَّا عَذَابًا
Fa-dhuqu fa-lan nazidakum illa ‘adhaba
“So taste, and We will not increase you except in punishment.”
A chilling declaration that closes the description of Hell — every plea for relief in the Hereafter will only be met with increased punishment. This verse marks the sharp turning point before Paradise is described.
Tajweed Focus
Idgham Ma'al GhunnahNoon sakinah in "lan" merges into following noon with nasal sound
٣٨
يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الرُّوحُ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ صَفًّا
Yawma yaqumu r-ruḥu wa-l-mala'ikatu ṣaffa
“The Day the Spirit and the angels stand in ranks.”
"Ar-Ruh" here refers to Jibril (Gabriel), standing alongside all the angels in perfect ranks — a scene of total order and awe, where not even angels speak except by Allah's explicit permission.
Tajweed Focus
Lam ShamsiyyahAl- in "ar-ruḥ" assimilates into Ra (Sun letter)
٤٠
يَا لَيْتَنِي كُنتُ تُرَابًا
Ya laytani kuntu turaba
“Oh, I wish I were dust!”
The Surah's devastating closing line — the disbeliever, faced with the full weight of his record, wishes for the ultimate non-existence: to have simply remained dust rather than face accountability for a life poorly lived.
Tajweed Focus
IkhfaNoon sakinah in "kuntu" hidden with nasal quality before ta
5
Tajweed Rules in This Surah
أحكام التجويد| Rule | Example | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Madd Muttasil | يَتَسَاءَلُونَ (v.1) | Elongation on hamzah preceded by madd letter, held 4-5 counts. |
| Idgham Ma'al Ghunnah | فَلَن نَّزِيدَكُمْ (v.30) | Noon sakinah merges into following noon with nasal hum. |
| Qalqalah | مِرْصَادًا (v.21) | Dal at word end carries a bouncing echo (qalqalah kubra). |
| Lam Shamsiyyah | الرُّوحُ (v.38) | Al- assimilates into Ra (Sun letter), doubling the sound. |
| Ikhfa | كُنتُ تُرَابًا (v.40) | Noon sakinah hidden with nasal quality before ta. |
| Tanwin Rules | مِهَادًا وَالْجِبَالَ (v.6-7) | Tanwin followed by waw requires idgham with ghunnah. |
6
Pronunciation Guide — Syllable by Syllable
دليل النطقVerse 1: عَمَّ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
Practice slowly, then blend
عَمْamclosed
مَmaopen
يَyaopen
تَtaopen
سَاsaelongated
ءَaopen
لُوluelongated
نَnaopen
7
Lessons from Surah An-Naba
دروس وعبر✨
Nature as Evidence
Every element of creation mentioned — earth, mountains, sleep, day, night, sky, rain — is presented as living proof of Allah's power, inviting daily reflection on the world around us.
☀
Resurrection Is Certain
The repeated warning "kalla saya‘lamun" (No! They will come to know) affirms that doubt about the Hereafter will be resolved with absolute certainty on that Day.
⚖️
Justice Is Precise
"Jaza'an wifaqa" (a fitting recompense) reminds us that punishment and reward in the Hereafter are perfectly proportioned to what was earned — no injustice, however small.
💎
Speech Requires Permission
Verse 38 shows even angels only speak with Allah's explicit permission — a lesson in humility and controlled speech that applies to every believer.
🔔
Prepare While There Is Time
The Surah's haunting final line is a warning, not just a description — a call to live in a way that avoids ever wishing, too late, that we had never been raised.
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Listen to Expert Reciters
استمع للقراء🎧
Mishary Alafasy
Hafs ‘an ‘Asim
Clear delivery ideal for the creation-signs passage
▶ Listen on Quran.com🎧
Abdul Basit
Hafs ‘an ‘Asim
Classical mujawwad style, especially moving on Yawm al-Fasl verses
▶ Listen on Quran.com🎧
Yasser Al-Dosari
Hafs ‘an ‘Asim
Powerful, emotional delivery of the Hell and Paradise passages
▶ Listen on Quran.com🎧
Maher Al-Muaiqly
Hafs ‘an ‘Asim
Measured pacing, excellent for memorization practice
▶ Listen on Quran.com9
Virtues & When to Recite
فضائل السورة⭐
The Gateway Surah of Juz Amma
An-Naba opens the final Juz of the Quran and is often among the first Surahs children memorize after the short ones, due to its clear structure and powerful imagery. Its themes of creation, judgment, Hell, and Paradise form a complete theological foundation in just 40 verses.
🏭
A Surah of Balance
Notice how precisely the Surah balances warning and hope — nine verses on Hell (21-30) are mirrored by six verses on Paradise (31-36), followed by the grand scene of the Day itself. This structure teaches believers to hold both fear and hope together, never falling into despair or complacency.
10
Memorization Steps
خطوات الحفظ1
Learn the Opening Question First
Memorize v.1–5 as a standalone unit — the rhetorical question and its repeated warning form a natural, easy-to-recall opening.
💡 Notice the repetition of "kalla saya‘lamun" for rhythm.
2
Count the Seven Signs
For v.6–16, count each "created/made" statement on your fingers — seven distinct signs makes the passage easier to retain in sequence.
💡 Practice listing them aloud without the Arabic first, in English, then add the Arabic.
3
Contrast Hell and Paradise
Memorize v.21–30 (Hell) and v.31–36 (Paradise) as a paired contrast — noticing rhyme and structural similarities between the two sections aids recall.
💡 Recite them back to back to feel the deliberate parallel.
4
End on the Closing Line
Make v.40's final phrase — "ya laytani kuntu turaba" — your last piece memorized, letting its emotional weight anchor the whole Surah in memory.
💡 Reflect on this line in dua after each recitation.
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Kids Corner ✨
ركن الأطفالFun Facts for Young Learners!
Learn Surah An-Naba the fun way
✨This Surah starts with a big question: what were people arguing about? It was about whether Allah could bring people back to life after they die!
☀Allah gives us clues all around us! The ground we walk on, the mountains, even our sleep at night — all of these show us Allah's amazing power.
⚖️On the Special Day, everyone will see exactly what they did in their whole life — nothing will be missing, because Allah writes everything down!
💎Good people who obeyed Allah will get beautiful gardens with grapes and happy friends — a wonderful reward for being kind and good!
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Interactive Quiz
اختبار تفاعليTest Your Understanding
Answer all 5 questions and see your score
1. What were the disbelievers disputing about at the start of the Surah?
2. How many strong heavens does Allah mention building (v.12)?
3. What does "jaza'an wifaqa" (v.26) mean?
4. What do the righteous receive in Paradise according to v.31-36?
5. What does the disbeliever wish for at the very end of the Surah?
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Frequently Asked Questions
أسئلة شائعةWhat is "the Great News" referred to in the Surah's name?+
Why does the Surah list so many natural phenomena?+
What is "Yawm al-Fasl"?+
Who is "Ar-Ruh" mentioned in verse 38?+
Why does the Surah end with such a haunting line?+
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Hashtags for Sharing
وسوم للمشاركة15
Resources
مصادر📖
Quran.comSurah 78 full text & audio
🎧
Quran CentralMultiple reciter options
📚
Tafsir Ibn KathirDetailed classical commentary
🌐
Bilkisu Quranic CenterFull lesson series homepage
Continue the Series
بِلْقِيسُ
Bilkisu Quranic Center
Surah by Surah — Lesson 38 of 113
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