حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍ يَنسِلُونَ 96
Translations
Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they, from every elevation, descend
Transliteration
Hatta ida futihta Ya'jooju wa Ma'jooju wa hum min kulli hadabin yansilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the breaking forth of Gog and Magog (Ya'juj and Ma'juj) from behind the wall that confines them, a major sign of the Hour. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that they will emerge from every elevated place, rushing forth in multitudes toward the people of Earth. This event represents divine wisdom in testing humanity and fulfilling Allah's predetermined plan, as mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (18:94-98) where the wall was constructed by Dhul-Qarnayn.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Anbiya's discussion of the Day of Judgment and signs of the Hour. The surah mentions various prophets and their warnings, building toward eschatological themes. This specific ayah is part of a passage (21:95-97) describing end-times events, reflecting the Meccan period's emphasis on warning the disbelievers about Allah's ultimate judgment.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim report from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The wall of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is being broken through every day until it becomes like this,' making a gesture indicating a small hole. Another hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah mentions that when Ya'juj and Ma'juj are released, they will drink the water of lakes and rivers dry in their advancement.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that major cosmic events are under Allah's complete control and that trials will continue until the Day of Judgment—encouraging steadfastness in faith and righteous action regardless of worldly turmoil. It also underscores the importance of preparing spiritually for the unknown hour through obedience to Allah and His prophets.
Related Ayahs
وَأَدْخَلْنَـٰهُ فِى رَحْمَتِنَآ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
And We admitted him into Our mercy. Indeed, he was of the righteous.
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.
يَوْمَ نَطْوِى ٱلسَّمَآءَ كَطَىِّ ٱلسِّجِلِّ لِلْكُتُبِ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأْنَآ أَوَّلَ خَلْقٍ نُّعِيدُهُۥ ۚ وَعْدًا عَلَيْنَآ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا فَـٰعِلِينَ
The Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet for the records. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it.
وَأَدْخَلْنَـٰهُمْ فِى رَحْمَتِنَآ ۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.