وَأَخْرَجَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ أَثْقَالَهَا 2
Translations
And the earth discharges its burdens
Transliteration
wa-akhrajati al-ardu athqalaha
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the earth expelling its heavy burdens and treasures on the Day of Judgment, symbolizing the cosmic upheaval when all hidden things are revealed. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'athqalaha' (its heavy things) as referring to the bodies of the dead, precious metals, and all that was buried within the earth, which will emerge as testimony against or for humanity. This imagery emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine justice, where even inanimate creation participates in the resurrection.
Revelation Context
Surah Az-Zalzalah is a Medinan surah entirely devoted to describing the earthquake of the Day of Judgment and its immediate aftermath. This ayah occurs early in the surah, following the description of the earth's violent shaking, and establishes the theme of cosmic transformation and the unveiling of all secrets that defines the surah's eschatological message.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (4:54:415) where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the earth will expel its treasures like gold and silver on the Day of Judgment. Additionally, the Tafsir context relates to Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:4) which similarly describes the earth splitting apart and casting forth what is within it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that nothing remains hidden from Allah's knowledge and that all deeds and their consequences will be revealed on the Day of Judgment; it should inspire us to live with awareness that our actions have eternal consequences and that accountability is absolute and inescapable.