Verse Meaning

According to the classical exegete Imam al-Tabari, the phrase 'Fa'atharna bihi naq'an' vividly describes the chargers kicking up clouds of dust with their hooves as they gallop. This interpretation is solidified by a strong scholarly consensus, with commentators like Ibn Kathir and al-Qurtubi agreeing that 'naq'an' specifically means *ghubar* (dust). Imam al-Tabari meticulously documents this view from the earliest authorities, including Mujahid, Ikrimah, and Qatadah, establishing it as the definitive meaning. The pronoun 'bihi' ('therewith' or 'in it') points to the location of the charge, the very ground that erupts in dust from the force of the hooves. This powerful imagery, as explained by the scholars, serves to paint a picture of intense, swift, and overwhelming action, whether in the context of a military raid or the fervent movement of pilgrims' camels during Hajj. Thus, the verse builds a sensory experience, emphasizing the power and speed of the steeds sworn upon by Allah, setting the stage for the surah's central message about human nature.