Tazkirul Quran, Qur’an 52:1–16

Translation

(1) By the Mount Sinai, (2) and by the Scripture penned (3) on unrolled parchment, (4) by the much-visited House, (5) and by the lofty vault of the sky, (6) and by the swelling sea, (7) the punishment of your Lord shall certainly come to pass— (8) there is no one who could avert it— (9) on the Day when the skies are convulsed, (10) and the mountains shudder and shake. (11) Woe on that Day to those who deny the truth, (12) who divert themselves with idle chatter: (13) on that Day they shall be ruthlessly thrust into the Fire of Hell. (14) This is the fire which you used to deny. (15) Is this magic or do you not see? (16) Now enter it. Whether you behave patiently or impatiently will make no difference: you are only being repaid for what you have done.

Commentary

(a) Mount Tur is that mountain in the desert of Sinai where Moses was awarded prophethood. The Scripture penned on unrolled parchment or the written Book (kitabun mastur) here means the Torah. The frequented house (al-bayt al-ma‘mur) means the Kabah. The lofty vaults of the sky or high roof (as-saqf al-marfu‘) means the sky. The swelling sea (al-bahr al-masjur) means a sea with waves. All these things bear testimony that the Day of seizure by God is certain to come. Almighty God has repeatedly given these very tidings through the prophets. This has also been mentioned in ancient holy scriptures. Heaven and earth announce this in their silent language. The waves of the sea relate this story to every listener.

(b) Man will have to face the result of his actions. He is being forewarned of the consequences. The negligence and arrogance of those who do not come to their senses now with the forewarning, will ultimately suffer grievous punishment. When they try to run away from this, they will find no refuge anywhere.