فَإِنَّمَا هِىَ زَجْرَةٌ وَٰحِدَةٌ 13
Translations
Indeed, it will be but one shout,
Transliteration
Fa-inna-mā hiyya zajratun wāḥidah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the final trumpet blast (al-ṣākhkhah) on the Day of Judgment, which will instantly resurrect all of humanity from death. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this single cry will be so powerful and comprehensive that it will accomplish the resurrection of all creatures at once, emphasizing the absolute power and sovereignty of Allah. The word 'zajratun' (a cry or rebuke) conveys the forceful nature of this event, while 'wāḥidah' (one/single) stresses the unity and simultaneity of resurrection.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah An-Nazi'at, which describes the events of the Day of Judgment in vivid detail. The surah emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the Hereafter, with this particular ayah highlighting how effortlessly Allah will resurrect humanity despite the vastness of time and the decomposition of bodies.
Related Hadiths
The concept is reflected in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) described the trumpet blast: 'The Trumpet will be blown, and whoever hears it will lose consciousness, and the first to regain consciousness will be the angel Israfeel.' Additionally, Surah As-Saffat (37:19) uses similar language: 'It will be but a single Zajrah (cry/blast), and lo! they will all be brought up before Us!'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to recognize that the resurrection and accountability before Allah is as certain and swift as a single command, reminding us to live consciously of this inevitable reality and prepare our souls accordingly. The ease with which Allah can resurrect all creation demonstrates His infinite power and should strengthen our faith in His ability to reward and punish justly.
Related Ayahs
يَقُولُ أَءِنَّكَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُصَدِّقِينَ
Who would say, 'Are you indeed of those who believe
قَـٰلَ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا ۖ لَّوْ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
He will say, "You stayed not but a little - if only you had known.
أَتَىٰٓ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
The command of Allāh is coming, so be not impatient for it. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.
وَأَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَشْـَٔمَةِ مَآ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَشْـَٔمَةِ
And the companions of the left - what are companions of the left?