يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَتَأْتُونَ أَفْوَاجًا 18
Translations
The Day the Horn is blown and you will come forth in multitudes
Transliteration
Yawma yunfakhu fi as-suri fataatuun afwaja
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Resurrection when the Trumpet (As-Sûr) will be blown, causing people to come forth in groups or waves toward their Lord for judgment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'afwaja' (groups/multitudes) emphasizes the vast numbers of people rising simultaneously, organized yet diverse in their states, highlighting the grand and overwhelming nature of the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naba is a Meccan chapter that comprehensively describes the signs of the Last Hour and the Day of Judgment to establish certainty in the hearts of believers. This ayah is part of a vivid sequence depicting the events of Resurrection, serving as a warning to those who denied or questioned the reality of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Trumpet will be blown and everyone in the heavens and earth will be struck unconscious except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again and I will be the first to rise.' (Sahih Bukhari 4809). Also related: The description in Sahih Muslim of how people will be resurrected in different groups and states on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Day of Judgment is an absolute reality where all of humanity will be resurrected and brought before Allah in organized groups for divine justice. The imagery of people coming in waves should inspire awe of Allah's power and prompt believers to prepare through righteous deeds and sincere repentance in this life.