Surah Al-Infitaar (سُورَةُ الانفِطَارِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-Infitaar — the 82nd chapter of the Quran with 19 verses. The Cleaving. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-Infitaar (سُورَةُ الانفِطَارِ) — "The Cleaving" is the 82nd chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 19 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ إِذَا ٱلسَّمَآءُ ٱنفَطَرَتْ
WHEN THE SKY is cleft asunder,
Verse 2
وَإِذَا ٱلْكَوَاكِبُ ٱنتَثَرَتْ
and when the stars are scattered,
Verse 3
وَإِذَا ٱلْبِحَارُ فُجِّرَتْ
and when the seas burst beyond their bounds,
Verse 4
وَإِذَا ٱلْقُبُورُ بُعْثِرَتْ
and when the graves are overturned –
Verse 5
عَلِمَتْ نَفْسٌۭ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ وَأَخَّرَتْ
every human being will [at last] comprehend, what he has sent ahead and what he has held back [in this world].
Verse 6
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ ٱلْكَرِيمِ
O MAN! What is it that lures thee away from thy bountiful Sustainer,
Verse 7
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ فَسَوَّىٰكَ فَعَدَلَكَ
who has created thee, and formed thee in accordance with what thou art meant' to be, and shaped thy nature in just proportions,
Verse 8
فِىٓ أَىِّ صُورَةٍۢ مَّا شَآءَ رَكَّبَكَ
having put thee together in whatever form He willed [thee to have]?
Verse 9
كَلَّا بَلْ تُكَذِّبُونَ بِٱلدِّينِ
Nay, [O men,] but you [are lured away from God whenever you are tempted to] give the lie to [God’s] Judgment!
Verse 10
وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ لَحَٰفِظِينَ
And yet, verily, there are ever-watchful forces over you,
...and 9 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Al-Infitaar (The Cleaving) 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-Infitaar 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-Infitaar revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Infitaar have? It contains 19 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Cleaving" mean? The name "Al-Infitaar" translates to "The Cleaving" in English.