The Glorious Qur`an

56: the Inevitable (waqiah)

This chapter was revealed after Ta-Ha 20 and before Believers 23 and Poets 26. It forms the last of the seven early Meccan chapters to be found in this present grouping. All of its 96 verses date from Mecca, except for vv. 81-82 (in section III) which are from Madina.

An urgent message and strophic form underlies the chapter's rhythm. The poetic vision here suggests that life is a race, and it speaks of future rewards.

We meet three groups: first the Pioneers ", then Those on the Eight " (I);and finally Those on the Left "(II). In the last section (III) the Qur'an itself is discussed.