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
وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَّاضِرَةٌ
[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant,
وَلَوْ أَلْقَىٰ مَعَاذِيرَهُۥ
Even if he presents his excuses.
وَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِىَ كِتَـٰبَهُۥ بِشِمَالِهِۦ فَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى لَمْ أُوتَ كِتَـٰبِيَهْ
But as for he who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, "Oh, I wish I had not been given my record
ٱصْلَوْهَا ٱلْيَوْمَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
[Enter to] burn therein today for what you used to deny."