وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ خَـٰشِعَةٌ 2
Translations
[Some] faces, that Day, will be humbled,
Transliteration
Wujuhun yawma-idhin khashi'ah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the faces of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment as being in a state of humiliation and abasement (khashi'ah). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the word 'khashi'ah' conveys both physical degradation and spiritual humiliation—the faces will be darkened, distorted, and marked by shame as a manifestation of their rejection of Allah's signs in this world. This visual description emphasizes the ultimate consequence of turning away from divine guidance.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ghashiyah was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period and addresses the reality of the Day of Judgment. This ayah is part of a depiction of the contrasting states of the blessed and the condemned on that day, serving to warn the polytheists of Mecca about the inevitable consequences of disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'On the Day of Judgment, the faces of the believers will be bright and radiant, while the faces of the disbelievers will be dark and gloomy' (paraphrased from various hadith collections including themes in Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah regarding the signs on the Day of Judgment).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that one's choices and beliefs in this world have eternal consequences reflected in the next life. It encourages believers to reflect on their relationship with Allah and the importance of sincere faith, as the state of one's face and soul on the Day of Judgment reflects the condition of one's heart in this world.