وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ مُّسْفِرَةٌ 38
Translations
[Some] faces, that Day, will be bright -
Transliteration
Wujuhun yawma'idhin musfiratuun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes faces on the Day of Judgment that will be 'radiant' or 'shining' (musfiratuun), indicating joy, brightness, and contentment. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as referring to the faces of the believers and the righteous on the Day of Resurrection, reflecting their happiness and the blessing they will receive in Paradise. The term musfiratuun conveys both physical luminosity and spiritual radiance that will manifest on the faces of those who succeeded in their faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah 'Abasa, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes themes of the Day of Judgment and the resurrection. It comes in a passage (80:38-42) contrasting the states of different people on that Day—some faces will be radiant with joy while others will be covered in dust and darkness, illustrating the differentiation between the successful and the wretched on Judgment Day.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'On the Day of Resurrection, the faces of the people of Paradise will shine like the sun and the moon' (related to themes in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Additionally, hadith about the Prophet's radiant face relates to the concept of spiritual brightness mentioned here.
Themes
Key Lesson
Our deeds and spiritual condition in this life will be reflected in our appearance and state on the Day of Judgment; therefore, we should strive to cultivate inner righteousness and faith so that we may be among those whose faces shine with radiance and joy before Allah on that Day.
Related Ayahs
لَوْ يَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ حِينَ لَا يَكُفُّونَ عَن وُجُوهِهِمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَلَا عَن ظُهُورِهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ
If those who disbelieved but knew the time when they will not avert the Fire from their faces or from their backs and they will not be aided...
فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَـٰهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
So how will it be when We assemble them for a Day about which there is no doubt? And each soul will be compensated [in full for] what it earned, and they will not be wronged.
يَوْمَ لَا يُغْنِى عَنْهُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ
The Day their plan will not avail them at all, nor will they be helped.
وَإِنَّ ٱلْفُجَّارَ لَفِى جَحِيمٍ
And indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire.