Al-Muddaththir: (35) Indeed, it is one of the Great [Calamities].

Issue 1: This statement is either the answer to the preceding oath, or it serves as the reason/explanation for the preceding speech, with the oath being an inserted clause for emphasis.

Issue 2: Al-Wahidi said that the alif (hamza) in إحدى (iḥdā) is cut off (i.e., pronounced clearly) and should not be elided in continuous recitation.

It is narrated that Ibn Kathir recited لإحدى الكبر (li-iḥdā al-kubar) by omitting the hamza, similar to saying waylama (for wayluhu). However, this omission is not standard linguistic practice (qiyās); the standard practice for mitigation is to use an intermediate sound (between a full hamza and complete omission).

Issue 3: The author of Al-Kashshāf stated that الكبر (al-Kubar) is the plural of الكبرى (al-Kubrā). The feminine marker alif (alif al-ta'nīth) has been treated like the feminine tā’ (tā’ al-ta’nīth). Just as fu'alah is pluralized as fu'al, fa'lā is pluralized as fu'al. A parallel example is السوافي (al-Sawāfī), the plural of السافياء (al-Sāfiyā’), meaning the dust scattered by the wind, and القواصع (al-Qawāṣi') plural of القاصعاء (al-Qāṣi'ā’). It is as if they are plurals of the pattern fā'ilah.

Issue 4: {Indeed, it is one of the Great [Calamities]} means that Saqar (Hellfire), which was previously mentioned, is one of the greatest calamities. The term الكبر (al-Kubar) refers to the levels (or degrees) of Hell, which are seven: Jahannam, Laẓā, Al-Ḥuṭamah, Al-Sa'īr, Saqar, Al-Jaḥīm, and Al-Hāwiyah. May Allah protect us from them.

! 7 < { A Warner to mankind. } > 7 !

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