يَوْمَ تُبَدَّلُ ٱلْأَرْضُ غَيْرَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ۖ وَبَرَزُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلْوَٰحِدِ ٱلْقَهَّارِ 48
Translations
[It will be] on the Day the earth will be replaced by another earth, and the heavens [as well], and they [i.e., all creatures] will come out before Allāh, the One, the Prevailing,
Transliteration
Yawma tubaddalu al-ardu ghayra al-ardi wa-as-samawatu wa-barazu lilahi al-wahidi al-qahhari
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when Allah will transform the earth into a different earth and the heavens into different heavens, and all creatures will stand before Allah alone, the One and Irresistible Force. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as the complete renewal and transformation of creation—the current heavens and earth will be replaced with new ones, emphasizing the absolute power of Allah over all creation. This vision underscores that nothing in this world is permanent and that all accountability ultimately rests with the One God.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the middle section of Surah Ibrahim, a Meccan surah that emphasizes monotheism and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. The surah uses the story of Prophet Abraham to illustrate divine guidance and serves as a response to the Meccan polytheists who rejected the concept of resurrection and accountability. This particular verse reinforces the central Meccan theme of certainty in the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The earth on the Day of Judgment will be like a single loaf of bread, and Allah will take it in His hand and say: I am the King' (Sahih Bukhari 4810). Additionally, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:104 echoes this theme: 'The Day when We will fold up the heaven like the folding of a scroll for books' (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the material world we see is temporary and will be utterly transformed, encouraging believers to focus on spiritual preparation and righteousness rather than attachment to worldly possessions. It also instills humility and awareness that we will ultimately face Allah alone on the Day of Judgment, stripped of all worldly status and power.