يَوْمَ تَرْجُفُ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ وَكَانَتِ ٱلْجِبَالُ كَثِيبًا مَّهِيلًا 14
Translations
On the Day the earth and the mountains will convulse and the mountains will become a heap of sand pouring down.
Transliteration
Yawma tarjufu al-ardu wa-al-jibalu wa-kanat al-jibalu kathiban mahilan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when the earth and mountains will shake violently, and the mountains—despite their apparent solidity—will become like scattered sand dunes. Ibn Kathir explains that this depicts the complete destruction of the physical world as we know it, emphasizing the awesome power of Allah and the inevitability of the Final Hour. Al-Tabari notes that 'kathiban mahilan' (loose flowing sand) symbolizes how the mountains, which seemed eternal and immovable, will lose all substance and crumble into particles.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Muzzammil, a Meccan surah revealed in the early Islamic period to strengthen the faith of believers facing persecution. The surah emphasizes night vigil and devotion, and this particular ayah serves as a reminder of the certainty of the Hereafter, motivating the believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite worldly hardships.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The Day of Resurrection will not be established till the sun rises from the west; when it rises and all people see it [they will believe], but that will be when no soul shall have the benefit of believing' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Prophet described scenes of the Day of Judgment in which 'the earth will be stretched like leather' and mountains will be 'like wool carded' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that nothing in this material world—no matter how solid or permanent it appears—is eternal; only Allah and His promise are everlasting. It should inspire us to prioritize our spiritual preparation and obedience to Allah over attachment to worldly possessions and pursuits.