Surah Al-Ghaashiya (سُورَةُ الغَاشِيَةِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-Ghaashiya — the 88th chapter of the Quran with 26 verses. The Overwhelming. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-Ghaashiya (سُورَةُ الغَاشِيَةِ) — "The Overwhelming" is the 88th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 26 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ هَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ ٱلْغَٰشِيَةِ
HAS THERE COME unto thee the tiding of the Overshadowing Event?'
Verse 2
وُجُوهٌۭ يَوْمَئِذٍ خَٰشِعَةٌ
Some faces will on that Day be downcast,
Verse 3
عَامِلَةٌۭ نَّاصِبَةٌۭ
toiling [under burdens of sin], worn out [by fear],
Verse 4
تَصْلَىٰ نَارًا حَامِيَةًۭ
about to enter a glowing fire,
Verse 5
تُسْقَىٰ مِنْ عَيْنٍ ءَانِيَةٍۢ
given to drink from a boiling spring.
Verse 6
لَّيْسَ لَهُمْ طَعَامٌ إِلَّا مِن ضَرِيعٍۢ
No food for them save the bitterness of dry thorns,
Verse 7
لَّا يُسْمِنُ وَلَا يُغْنِى مِن جُوعٍۢ
which gives no strength and neither stills hunger.
Verse 8
وُجُوهٌۭ يَوْمَئِذٍۢ نَّاعِمَةٌۭ
[And] some faces will on that Day shine with bliss,
Verse 9
لِّسَعْيِهَا رَاضِيَةٌۭ
well-pleased with [the fruit of] their striving,
Verse 10
فِى جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍۢ
in a garden sublime,
...and 16 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Al-Ghaashiya (The Overwhelming) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.
Virtues of Reading This Surah
Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari
Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah Al-Ghaashiya as part of your daily Quran reading.
How to Recite
- Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
- Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
- Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
- Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
- Reflect on the meaning as you recite
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Surah Al-Ghaashiya revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Ghaashiya have? It contains 26 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Overwhelming" mean? The name "Al-Ghaashiya" translates to "The Overwhelming" in English.