فَٱرْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِى ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُّبِينٍ 10
Translations
Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke
Transliteration
Farrtaqib yawma ta'ti as-sama'u bidukhānin mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to await the Day of Judgment when the sky will come with smoke that is clearly visible. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this smoke as a literal sign preceding the Day of Judgment, though some scholars suggest it may refer to the smoke of warfare and trials that preceded the final hour. The command to 'wait' (farrtaqib) emphasizes patience and certainty in Allah's promise, reassuring believers that divine justice will inevitably come.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Dukhan is a Meccan surah revealed during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's message. This ayah is part of the surah's theme of warning the disbelievers about the inevitable consequences of their rejection. The broader context addresses Pharaoh's rejection of Prophet Musa and draws parallels to the Meccan disbelievers' rejection of Prophet Muhammad, culminating in descriptions of the signs of the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned various signs of the Hour, including atmospheric and celestial phenomena. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet describes trials and smoke as among the signs approaching the Day of Judgment. Additionally, several hadiths in Sahih Bukhari discuss the smoke (ad-dukhan) as one of the major signs of the Hour.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that despite worldly delays in seeing justice, Allah's promise of accountability is certain and will manifest visibly. Modern readers should cultivate unwavering faith in divine justice and respond to divine warnings with sincere repentance rather than arrogance and denial.