يَوْمَ يَكُونُ ٱلنَّاسُ كَٱلْفَرَاشِ ٱلْمَبْثُوثِ 4
Translations
It is the Day when people will be like moths, dispersed,
Transliteration
Yawma yakonu an-nasu ka-al-farashi al-mabthuth
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the Day of Judgment when humanity will be scattered like moths dispersed in all directions, emphasizing the chaos, confusion, and disorientation that will characterize that momentous day. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that just as moths flutter aimlessly when disturbed, people will be scattered and bewildered on the Day of Resurrection, with each soul preoccupied with its own fate. The simile conveys both the physical dispersal of people and the psychological state of terror and helplessness before Allah's majesty.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qari'ah, a Meccan surah that vividly describes the Day of Judgment and its terrifying events. It was revealed to the Quraysh to awaken them to the reality of the afterlife and motivate them toward righteousness, serving as a powerful warning during the early Meccan period when disbelief in the resurrection was widespread.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour will be established and two men spreading a garment between them will not be able to finish their transaction before the Hour is established.' (Sahih Bukhari 6505). This hadith complements the ayah by illustrating how sudden and chaotic the Day of Judgment will be.
Themes
Key Lesson
This vivid imagery reminds believers of the certainty of the afterlife and the need for constant spiritual preparedness; it encourages detachment from worldly preoccupations and motivates righteous action in the present life.