Surah 88
الغاشية
Al-Ghashiyah
The Overwhelming
Surah 88 · Meccan · 26 Ayahs
Surah Al-Ghashiyah (The Overwhelming) is chapter 88 of the Quran. It has 26 ayahs, was revealed in Mecca, and begins in juz 30.
Surah
Which was revealed in Makkah Reciting Surat Al-A`la and Al-Ghashiyah in the Friday Prayer It has already been mentioned on the authority of An-Nu`man bin Bashir that the Messenger of Allah used to recite Surat Al-A`la (87) and Al-Ghashiyah.
Classical references: Ibn Kathir (Abridged).
Source: Ibn Kathir (Abridged) (88:1).
Last reviewed: 2026-04-10.
This is a short orientation note and does not replace full tafsir.
Has there reached you the report of the Overwhelming [event]?
[Some] faces, that Day, will be humbled,
Working [hard] and exhausted.1
They will [enter to] burn in an intensely hot Fire.
They will be given drink from a boiling spring.
For them there will be no food except from a poisonous, thorny plant
Which neither nourishes nor avails against hunger.
[Other] faces, that Day, will show pleasure.
With their effort [they are] satisfied
In an elevated garden,
Wherein they will hear no unsuitable speech.1
Within it is a flowing spring.
Within it are couches raised high
And cups put in place
And cushions lined up
And carpets spread around.
Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created?
And at the sky - how it is raised?
And at the mountains - how they are erected?
And at the earth - how it is spread out?
So remind, [O Muḥammad]; you are only a reminder.
You are not over them a controller.
However, he who turns away and disbelieves
Then Allāh will punish him with the greatest punishment.
Indeed, to Us is their return.
Then indeed, upon Us is their account.