What does Thubur mean in Quran 25:13?

According to classical commentators like Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi, 'Thubur' is a cry for total annihilation, utter ruin, and complete destruction. The inhabitants of Hell, upon being thrown into a narrow place bound in chains, call for 'Thubur' as a desperate plea to end their immense suffering.

Why are they told to call for 'many destructions' in Quran 25:14?

Scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this is not an invitation but a rebuke to increase their despair. It signifies that their torment is so severe and multifaceted that a single annihilation would be insufficient to encompass it. They are being told their state is one of continuous and repeated ruin, not a single event that can end.

Who calls for destruction in Hellfire?

The Quran specifies that those who deny the Hour (Day of Judgment) will face this fate. When they witness the raging and roaring of the Hellfire prepared for them and are thrown into it, they are the ones who will cry out for destruction (Thubur) as a result of their torment and regret.

Calls for Destruction (Thubur) in Hellfire: An Analysis of Quran 25:13-14

calls for instant destruction

Explore Verses Related to calls for instant destruction

🕋Al-Furqan25:13 🕋Al-Furqan25:14

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the 'calls for instant destruction' refers to the specific cry for 'Thubur' (ثبور), meaning total annihilation and utter ruin, as described in Surah Al-Furqan, verses 13-14. Tafsir experts like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this is not a general plea but a desperate shriek from the inhabitants of Hell when they are cast, bound and constricted, into the raging Fire. The term itself, as analyzed by linguists, signifies a complete loss from which no recovery is possible. The divine response, "Do not call today for one destruction but call for much destruction," is a powerful rebuke signifying that their torment is a continuous, multifaceted reality, so immense that a single 'destruction' cannot encompass it, thus sealing their state of eternal, hopeless despair.

📖 Quranic Context

A specific and powerful depiction of the despair experienced by the inhabitants of Hellfire, highlighting the unbearable nature of their torment.

Represents the ultimate consequence of rejecting divine guidance, where the only desire left is for non-existence, a plea that is rebuked to emphasize the permanence of their state.

References: 25:13, 25:14

💭 Theological Perspective

Illustrates the peak of human desperation and regret when faced with the direct consequences of one's actions in the afterlife.

Demonstrates the psychological state of utter hopelessness and the realization that all avenues of escape or relief are closed.

Serves as a stark warning in the Quran about the reality and severity of punishment for disbelief and transgression.

Acts as a deterrent from sin and a motivator towards seeking repentance and adhering to the path of righteousness.

📜 Hadith Perspective

A hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik describes Iblis and his followers calling out 'Ya thuburah' (O, my destruction!) as they are led to the Fire, confirming this specific cry of doom.

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Scholars unanimously interpret this as a cry for total annihilation out of extreme suffering.

💎 Deeper Insights

The divine response 'call for many destructions' (ثُبُورًا كَثِيرًا) is a profound rhetorical device. It implies that the nature of their suffering is not a single state but a collection of endless, varied torments. Each type of pain is so severe it qualifies as its own 'destruction,' rendering a single plea for annihilation utterly inadequate.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi