وَإِذَا ٱلْأَرْضُ مُدَّتْ 3
Translations
And when the earth has been extended
Transliteration
Wa-idha al-ardu muddat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the flattening and spreading out of the earth on the Day of Judgment, one of the cosmic transformations that will occur during the Hour. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'muddat' (stretched/extended) refers to the earth losing its mountains and valleys, becoming a smooth, level plain. This transformation is part of the comprehensive upheaval of the created order, signifying the magnitude of that momentous day and Allah's absolute power over all creation.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Inshiqaq is a Meccan surah that vividly describes the events of the Day of Judgment and the splitting of the heavens. This ayah occurs within a series of cosmic events (ayat 1-5) that paint a picture of the complete restructuring of the physical universe, reinforcing the message of accountability and the reality of the afterlife to the early Meccan believers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'On the Day of Judgment, the earth will be stretched like a leather mat' (related in various hadith collections). Additionally, Surah Al-Inshiqaq 84:3-4 is thematically connected to descriptions in Surah At-Tariq 86:1 and other ayat describing the Day of Judgment's cosmic signs.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should reflect on the certainty of the afterlife and the temporary nature of this earthly life, using this knowledge to prioritize righteous deeds and mindfulness of Allah's judgment. This cosmic vision serves as a powerful motivator for moral accountability and spiritual preparedness in one's lifetime.