وَيَوْمَ نُسَيِّرُ ٱلْجِبَالَ وَتَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ بَارِزَةً وَحَشَرْنَـٰهُمْ فَلَمْ نُغَادِرْ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا 47
Translations
And [warn of] the Day when We will remove the mountains and you will see the earth exposed, and We will gather them and not leave behind from them anyone.
Transliteration
Wa yawma nusayyiru al-jibala wa tara al-arda barizatan wa hasharnāhum falam nughadiru minhum ahada
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when Allah will cause the mountains to move (or pass away) and the earth will become a flat, barren plain, and all humanity will be gathered together with none left behind. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that the mountains, which appear immovable in this life, will be transformed into dust and scattered like wool, symbolizing the complete upheaval of the natural order on the Day of Resurrection. The phrase 'we did not leave any of them' emphasizes Allah's perfect knowledge and comprehensive gathering of all souls for accountability.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Kahf, a Meccan surah revealed to strengthen the faith of early Muslims facing persecution. It falls within a passage describing scenes of the Day of Judgment, serving to remind believers of the inevitable resurrection and divine justice, providing comfort and assurance that all deeds—good and evil—will be accounted for.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The Day of Judgment will not be established until the mountains are blown away like clouds' (Sahih Bukhari, 3233). Additionally, 'On the Day of Judgment, the earth will be changed into a land other than this earth, and the heavens as well' (Sahih Muslim, 2790).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that no one will escape divine accountability on the Day of Judgment, and that the permanent structures of this world are temporary and will be utterly transformed. It should inspire believers to live righteously, knowing that Allah's knowledge is complete and His justice will be perfect and all-encompassing.