The Trumpet – Golden Words of Allah (episode 41)
“The Day the heaven will sway with circular motion, and the mountains will be like carded wool, and no friend will ask about a friend.” (Surah Al-Mursalat 77:8-10)
By Abdullahi Yusuf
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. We testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, (pbuh), is His slave and Messenger.
Introduction
The Trumpet (As-Sūr) is one of the most significant elements of the Last Day (Yawm al-Qiyāmah) in Islamic eschatology. The angel Israfil (peace be upon him) is entrusted with the task of blowing the Trumpet, which will bring about immense cosmic upheaval, destruction, and eventual resurrection for judgment. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the certainty and suddenness of this event, urging believers to prepare for it.
1. The First Blow: The Destruction of the Universe
The Trumpet will be blown twice, the first blow of the Sur signals the end of the world, with the universe experiencing its destruction. The sky, the earth, and all creation will be affected, and everything will come to an end.
Qur’anic Reference: “And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will fall dead, except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:68)
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “How can I feel at ease when the one with the Trumpet has raised it to his mouth, his ears are listening attentively, waiting to blow at the command?” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
2. The Terrifying Effects of the First Blow
The sound of the Sur will be overwhelming, causing fear and trembling in every creature. This sound marks both the destruction of the world and the resurrection of all beings for judgment.
Qur’anic Reference: “The Day the heaven will sway with circular motion, and the mountains will be like carded wool, and no friend will ask about a friend.” (Surah Al-Mursalat 77:8-10)
Qur’anic Reference: “When the Trumpet is blown with a single blast, and the earth and the mountains are lifted and leveled with one blow—then on that Day, the Occurrence will happen.” (Surah Al-Haqqah 69:13-15)
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The first who will hear the Trumpet is a man who will be repairing his camel’s drinking trough. He will fall unconscious, and all people will fall unconscious.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. The Second Blowing: Resurrection and Judgment
After a period of complete stillness, the Trumpet will be blown again, bringing every soul back to life.
Qur’anic Reference: “Then the Trumpet will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:68).
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Between the two Trumpet blasts, there will be forty.” (Sahih Muslim)
4. The Gathering of Humanity
Once resurrected, people will be gathered on the Plain of Judgment, awaiting Allah’s decision.
Qur’anic Reference: “And the Horn will be blown; that is the Day of Warning. And every soul will come forth, with it a driver and a witness.” (Surah Qaf 50:20-21).
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, people will be gathered barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
5. The Trumpet as a Reminder of the Afterlife
The Qur’an repeatedly reminds believers to prepare for the inevitable day when the Trumpet will sound.
Qur’anic Reference: “They await only a single blast, which will seize them while they dispute among themselves.” (Surah Ya-Sin 36:49).
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When you see it (the Last Day) approaching, know that the Trumpet will soon be blown.” (Sahih Muslim).
6 Angel Israfil
The blowing of the Sur is performed by the angel Israfil (Raphael), who has been entrusted with this monumental task by Allah. Israfil’s role is pivotal, as he will sound the Trumpet at the appointed time as decreed by Allah. The Qur’an does not mention the name of Israfil explicitly in connection with the blowing of the Sur, but the Hadith literature confirms his role in this event.
Conclusion
The Sur, or Trumpet, in the Qur’an is a symbol of both final destruction and the ultimate resurrection. The sound of the Trumpet will change the entire course of existence, bringing an end to the present world and ushering in the Day of Judgment. The Qur’an stresses the enormity of this event, urging believers to reflect on the certainty of the afterlife and to prepare for the inevitable reckoning that follows the blowing of the Sur.
And Allah knows best.
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