Surah Zalzalah, or surah Zilzal, is the 99th surah of the Holy Quran, which consists of 8 verses comprising powerful words. It is one of the Madani surahs, which is revealed in Madinah, and the meaning of its name Az-Zalzalah is The Earthquake.
This surah is in graphic detail about the great earthquake that will occur on the Day of Judgment, when the burden(s) of the earth will be exposed, and every soul will see the consequence of what he/she did, whether good or evil.
Famous Ayat of Surah Zalzalah
فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍۢ خَيْرًۭا يَرَهُۥ
وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍۢ شَرًّۭا يَرَهُۥ
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Surah Zalzalah, 99:7–8)
These final verses strongly remind us that whatever we do, may it be a tiny action, it is known to Allah and he is just.
Surah Zilzal: A Reminder of Accountability
Surah Zilzal is a warning and a wake-up call. It educates the believers that the earth will also give evidence on the day of Judgment, exposing all the secret deeds. This surah reminds the individual about the self-responsibility and the need to be accountable of a person at any given moment.
It promotes truthful worship, integrity in transactions and modesty before Allah and the awareness that no act is too small, no particle of weight is too light.
Surah Zalzalah Translation and Meaning
Understanding the Surah Zalzalah translation deepens the believer's awareness of divine justice. Here's a brief breakdown of its meaning:
- The earth will shake violently by the command of Allah.
- It will release all that is buried within—bodies, secrets, and deeds.
- People will ask in shock: “What is happening to it?”
- The earth will speak, bearing witness to what occurred upon it.
- All human beings will be shown the results of their actions—down to the smallest detail.
You can find the full Arabic and English translation of Surah Zalzalah in PDF format for easy download and reflection.
When to Recite Surah Zilzal
- While Surah Zilzal can be recited anytime, it is especially impactful:
- During night prayers (Tahajjud or Qiyam-ul-Lail) for reflection on the Hereafter
- After obligatory prayers for spiritual grounding
- In times of self-accountability or when seeking to renew sincerity
Benefits of Reciting Surah Zalzalah
Awakens the Soul: Conveys strong realization of the Day of Judgment.
Encourages Good Deeds: Reminder that the tiniest good deed is noticed and rewarded.
Promotes Justice: Boosts the faith in divine responsibility and justice.
Builds Taqwa (God-consciousness): Fills the soul with the spirit of honesty and care.
FAQs about Surah Zalzalah
What is Surah Zalzalah about?
It describes the final earthquake on the Day of Judgment and the presentation of every person’s deeds.
How many verses are in Surah Zilzal?
There are 8 verses (ayat) in Surah Zilzal.
Is Surah Zalzalah Makki or Madani?
It is a Madani surah, revealed after the migration to Madinah.
What does “Zalzalah” mean?
“Zalzalah” means earthquake, referring to the great tremor on the Day of Judgment.
Where can I find Surah Zalzalah translation?
Surah Zalzalah translation is available online with Arabic text and English meaning. High-quality PDFs are also available for download.
Reflect with Surah Zalzalah
Surah Zilzal is a very strong message indicating that nothing passes without the attention of Allah. All words, actions and intentions will be disclosed and evaluated. Read it and allow its verses to lead you to an honorable, credible and mindful worship.