Surah Waqiah – Meaning, Benefits, Virtues, and Importance in Islam
Introduction to Surah Waqiah
Surah Waqiah (سورة الواقعة) is one of the most powerful and frequently recited chapters of the Holy Quran. It is the 56th Surah of the Quran and consists of 96 verses (ayat). Surah Waqiah was revealed in Makkah and primarily focuses on the Day of Judgment, the afterlife, and the three categories of people that will exist on that day.
The word “Waqiah” means “The Inevitable Event”, referring to the certainty of the Day of Resurrection. Surah Al-Waqiah
Basic Information About Surah Waqiah
Surah Number: 56
Total Ayat: 96
Juz: 27
Revelation: Makki
Main Theme: Hereafter, Resurrection, Accountability, Paradise & Hell
What Is Surah Waqiah About?
Surah Waqiah gives a vivid and detailed description of Qiyamah (The Day of Judgment). It explains that on that day, humanity will be divided into three groups:
As-Sabiqun (The Foremost) – Those closest to Allah
Ashab-ul-Yameen (People of the Right Hand) – The successful believers
Ashab-ul-Shimaal (People of the Left Hand) – The disbelievers and sinners
The Surah also highlights:
The power of Allah
The truth of resurrection
The reward of Jannah (Paradise)
The punishment of Jahannam (Hell)
Benefits of Reciting Surah Waqiah
One of the most well-known benefits of Surah Waqiah is protection from poverty.
📖 Hadith Reference: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites Surah Waqiah every night will never be afflicted by poverty.” (Ibn Kathir – reported by Ibn Mas’ud)
Many scholars recommend reciting Surah Waqiah daily after Maghrib or Isha for sustenance (rizq).
Regular recitation of Surah Waqiah is believed to:
Open doors of halal earnings
Bring barakah (blessings) in wealth
Remove financial hardships
It teaches reliance on Allah as the true Provider.
Surah Waqiah strongly reminds believers that:
This life is temporary
Accountability is real
Every soul will face consequences
This awareness helps Muslims:
Avoid sins
Improve character
Focus on good deeds
Reciting Surah Waqiah with reflection:
Reduces anxiety
Brings inner peace
Strengthens trust (tawakkul) in Allah
Many people recite it before sleeping for peaceful rest.
Surah Waqiah reminds us that:
Death is unavoidable
Wealth and status will not help
Only iman and good deeds will matter
This helps in self-correction and spiritual growth.
Best Time to Recite Surah Waqiah
Although Surah Waqiah can be recited at any time, scholars recommend:
🌙 After Maghrib or Isha
🛏 Before sleeping
📿 Daily recitation for consistency
Consistency is more important than quantity.
Lessons From Surah Waqiah
Surah Waqiah teaches us:
Allah alone controls life, death, and sustenance
Humans cannot escape resurrection
Success lies in obedience to Allah
True wealth is akhirah (afterlife), not dunya