وَقِيلَ مَنْ ۜ رَاقٍ 27
Translations
And it is said, "Who will cure [him]?"
Transliteration
Wa qeela man raaqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts a scene from the Day of Judgment where, at the moment of death, it is said 'Who can save him?' or 'Who is a healer/savior for him?' The soul is being taken and there is an urgent call for someone to intervene or cure the dying person's condition. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this represents the helplessness of the dying person and those around him—no physician, no loved one, and no intercessor can prevent death or ease the soul's departure at that appointed moment.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qiyamah's vivid depiction of the death process and resurrection. The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, uses graphic imagery of the soul's departure to emphasize the certainty and terror of the Day of Judgment. This particular verse comes within a sequence describing the final moments before the soul leaves the body.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the soul is about to be taken, those around see it,' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim describes the struggle of the soul leaving the body and the angels' arrival at the time of death, which contextualizes this moment of helplessness.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that at the moment of death, no amount of wealth, status, or human intervention can help—only sincere deeds and faith in Allah matter. It should motivate believers to prepare spiritually in this life and seek healing through righteousness rather than relying solely on material means.