Al-Zalzalah (The Earthquake): (4) That Day, It Will Narrate Its News

Answer: The first object has been omitted, and the second is akhbārahā (its news). The original structure would be: Tuhaddithu al-khalqa akhbārahā (It will narrate its news to mankind). However, the intent is to mention the narration of the news itself, not the audience (mankind), as a form of glorification (of the event/narration).

Answer: There are several interpretations:

1. The view of Abu Muslim: On that Day, the recompense for everyone's deeds will become evident to all. It is as if the Earth narrates this by its very state. Similar to saying, "This house narrates to us that it was once inhabited." Thus, the shaking of the Earth due to the earthquake narrates that the worldly life has ended and the Hereafter has arrived.
2. The view of the majority: Allah, the Exalted, will grant the Earth the faculty of life and speech, making it a rational, speaking being. It will then testify concerning all the deeds performed by its inhabitants—testifying for those who obeyed and against those who disobeyed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, the Earth will inform on the Day of Resurrection about every deed performed upon it," and then recited this verse. This view is not far-fetched according to our school of thought (Ash'ari/Maturidi), as the physical structure (al-bunya) is not a prerequisite for accepting life. Thus, while the Earth retains its form, dryness, and roughness, Allah creates life and speech within it. The purpose is as if the Earth is complaining about the disobedient and giving thanks for those who obeyed Allah. It will say: "So-and-so prayed, gave charity, fasted, and performed Hajj," and "So-and-so disbelieved, committed adultery, stole, and wronged." The disbeliever will wish to be driven into the Fire. It is narrated that 'Ali (peace be upon him), upon emptying the public treasury (bayt al-māl), would pray two rak'ahs there and say: "Be a witness that I filled you justly and emptied you justly."
3. The view of the Mu'tazila: Speech can be created in inanimate objects. Therefore, it is not improbable that Allah creates specific, distinct sounds within the Earth while it remains inanimate. In this case, the speaker and the witness would be Allah Himself.

Answer: Yawma’idhin is an appositive (badal) for idh, and the governing factor for both is the verb tuhaddithu (narrate).

Answer: It is as if the Earth is broadcasting its complaint to the friends of Allah and His angels.