Surah “The Sundering, Splitting Open”

as rendered by Talal Itani & AI (2025) — 25 verses

When the sky splits open.
And it heeds its Lord, as it must.
When the earth is stretched out.
And it casts out all that is within it and becomes empty.
And it heeds its Lord, as it must.
O human being, you are laboring toward your Lord with great effort, and you will meet Him.
As for the one who is given his record in his right hand.
He will have an easy reckoning.
And he will return to his people joyful.
But as for the one who is given his record behind his back.
He will cry out for destruction.
And he will burn in a blazing fire.
He used to be joyful among his people.
He thought he would never return.
But yes, his Lord was watching him.
I swear by the twilight glow.
And the night and all it envelops.
And the moon when it becomes full.
You will surely pass from stage to stage.
So what is wrong with them that they do not believe?
When the Quran is recited to them, they do not bow down.
No, those who disbelieve persist in denial.
God knows best what they harbor within.
So give them news of a painful punishment.
Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds: for them is a reward unending.