وَإِذَا ٱلْبِحَارُ سُجِّرَتْ 6
Translations
And when the seas are filled with flame
Transliteration
Wa-idha al-biharu sujjirat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes one of the signs of the Day of Judgment when the seas will be set on fire or burst forth (sujjirat - literally 'caused to burst' or 'ignited'). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as the seas boiling over and burning, representing the cosmic upheaval that will occur when the Hour is established. This imagery emphasizes the complete transformation of creation and the terrible majesty of that Day.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Takwir is a Meccan surah describing the cosmic events preceding the Day of Judgment. This ayah is part of a series of vivid descriptions (verses 1-14) detailing the signs of Qiyamah (the Hour), meant to inspire awe and prepare believers for divine accountability. The context emphasizes the certainty and imminent nature of these apocalyptic events.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the Day of Judgment: 'The sun will be brought near to the creation on the Day of Resurrection so close that the sweat will reach the earlobes' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, Surah At-Takwir 81:1-5 is referenced in multiple hadiths about the signs of the Hour.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder of the temporary nature of this world and should inspire believers to prioritize righteous deeds and spiritual preparation for the Afterlife. The devastating imagery of natural elements being destroyed encourages detachment from material pursuits and strengthens conviction in Allah's absolute power over all creation.