C — The major Hour: the resurrection of mankind from their graves for reckoning and recompense.

Whenever the Hour is mentioned without qualification in the Quran, it refers to the major Resurrection.

Allah Most High says: “People ask you about the Hour (63)” [al-Ahzāb: 63]—that is, about the Resurrection.

He also says: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has split (1)” [al-Qamar: 1]—that is, the Resurrection has drawn near.

Allah Most High mentions both the minor and major Resurrections in the Quran. Indeed, He sometimes mentions both in a single surah, as in Sūrat al-Wāqiah.

At its beginning, He mentions the major Resurrection. Allah Most High says:

“When the Inevitable Event comes to pass (1), there will be no denying its occurrence (2). It will abase some and exalt others (3). When the earth is shaken violently (4), and the mountains are pulverized completely (5), becoming scattered dust (6), and you become three groups” [al-Wāqiah: 1–7].

Then, toward its end, He mentions the minor Resurrection, namely death. He says:

“Then why, when the soul reaches the throat (83), while you are looking on (84)—and We are nearer to him than you are, though you do not see” [al-Wāqiah: 83–85].

He also mentions both Resurrections in Sūrat al-Qiyāmah. He says:

“Nay! I swear by the Day of Resurrection (1)” [al-Qiyāmah: 1].

This is the major Resurrection.

He then mentions death, saying:

“Nay! When the soul reaches the collarbones (26)” [al-Qiyāmah: 26].

This is the minor Resurrection.