يَوْمَ نَبْطِشُ ٱلْبَطْشَةَ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰٓ إِنَّا مُنتَقِمُونَ 16
Translations
The Day We will strike with the greatest assault, indeed, We will take retribution.
Transliteration
Yawma nabtisku al-batshata al-kubra inna muntaqimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Day of Judgment when Allah will seize the disbelievers with a mighty seizure as punishment for their rejection of the truth. Ibn Kathir explains that 'al-batshata al-kubra' (the greatest seizing) denotes the ultimate, overwhelming punishment that will befall those who persist in denial, emphasizing that Allah's vengeance is absolute and inescapable. Al-Tabari notes this is connected to Pharaoh and his people as the primary historical reference, while the ayah carries universal application to all who reject Allah's signs.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Dukhan is a Meccan surah that recounts the story of Pharaoh's rejection of Musa's message and the subsequent punishment inflicted upon him and his people. This particular ayah serves as a warning to the Meccan disbelievers by drawing a parallel to Pharaoh's fate, reminding them that those who reject Allah's messengers will face similar divine retribution.
Related Hadiths
The theme of Allah's seizing (batsh) the disbelievers is reinforced in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:40): 'So each one We seized for his sin,' narrated in various Quranic commentaries. Additionally, the general principle of divine punishment is referenced in authentic hadith collections regarding the Day of Judgment's severity.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a solemn reminder that persistent rejection of Allah's guidance inevitably leads to severe divine punishment, both in this life and the Hereafter. For believers, it reinforces the importance of accepting the message of the prophets and recognizing that Allah's justice and retribution are certain and unavoidable.