Surah Al-Infitar (The Cleaving)

Al-Infitar means "The Cleaving" or "The Splitting Apart," referring to the sky being cleft open among the signs that mark the Day of Judgment.

Al-Infitar is the 82nd chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 19 short verses in the final thirtieth of the text. It opens with a series of images of the world's undoing: the sky splitting apart, the stars scattering, the seas bursting forth, and the graves overturned, when every soul will realize what it has sent ahead and what it has left behind. The surah then addresses the human being directly, asking what has deceived them regarding their generous Lord, who created, proportioned, and shaped them in a balanced form. It reminds people that recording angels, described as noble and knowing, keep account of every deed. The closing section contrasts the destiny of the righteous, who will be in bliss, with that of the wicked, who face a grievous end, and emphasizes that on that Day no soul will have power to help another, for the command belongs entirely to God. The tone is a concise, urgent reminder of creation, accountability, and final recompense.

Surah number: 82
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 19
Arabic: الإنفطار

Read Surah Al-Infitar online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Cosmic signs of the Day of Judgment
Every soul reckoning with its deeds
God's generosity in creating and forming humanity
The recording angels and their account of deeds
Contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked
God's sole authority on the Day of Recompense

Why this surah matters

Al-Infitar is one of a cluster of short Meccan chapters near the end of the Quran that share the theme of the Last Day, and it is closely associated in subject matter with the surahs around it. As part of Juz' 'Amma, it is commonly memorized and recited, and its brevity makes it accessible to new learners. Many Muslims encounter it in study of the final juz', and its reminder of the recording angels and personal accountability is frequently referenced in teaching about individual responsibility before God.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Al-Infitar" mean?

It means "The Cleaving" or "The Splitting Apart," taken from the opening verse describing the sky being cleft open as a sign of the Day of Judgment.

Is Al-Infitar Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as a Meccan surah, consistent with its short verses and focus on resurrection and accountability.

What does this surah say about recording deeds?

It mentions noble recording angels who keep account of every person's deeds, reinforcing its theme of individual accountability on the Day of Recompense.

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