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
قَالُوا۟ حَرِّقُوهُ وَٱنصُرُوٓا۟ ءَالِهَتَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ فَـٰعِلِينَ
They said, "Burn him and support your gods - if you are to act."
ٱقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مُّعْرِضُونَ
[The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away.
وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَـٰضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
And [mention] the man of the fish [i.e., Jonah], when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."
وَٱقْتَرَبَ ٱلْوَعْدُ ٱلْحَقُّ فَإِذَا هِىَ شَـٰخِصَةٌ أَبْصَـٰرُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَـٰوَيْلَنَا قَدْ كُنَّا فِى غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَـٰذَا بَلْ كُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ
And [when] the true promise [i.e., the resurrection] has approached; then suddenly the eyes of those who disbelieved will be staring [in horror, while they say], "O woe to us; we had been unmindful of this; rather, we were wrongdoers."