Every name of the Day of Judgment has a special meaning and one such name is the “The Approaching Day” that has come only once in the Qura’n. Even though the word “Al Azfah” has come twice. Verse 18 of Surah Mumin says, “And warn them of the Day that is drawing near; when the hearts will be choking the throats, there shall be no sincere friends for the unjust.”

The word “ Azefah” is derived from “ Azaf” and according to Maqayis-ol-loghata, Mafuradat, Misbah-ol-Loghat and other books it means “ To come close” or to approach though some say that this closeness as the constriction of time.

The reason for giving this same tells us that Qiyamat is much closer than we think it is. This because the ignorant may not say that there is enough time and it is just a promise for the distant future. No, that day is so close that its horror will make the hearts choke the throats. The fear and remorse will be so great that it will be choking the breaths and it will be very hard to breathe.

We should be ready for it and this is what is said in verse 1 of Surah Anbiya that says, “The Reckoning draws near for mankind while they turn away in heedlessness.”

The “Qurb” in “Iqtarab” is for emphasis and tells us that the day of accounting is very near.

The Day of Judgment is so close that Qura’n has often referred to it in the past tense as in verses65 and 66 of Surah Furqan that says, “ And those who say, “ Its torment is ever an inseparable punishment. Evil indeed it (Hell) is an abode and as a place to dwell.”