What were the lice and locusts mentioned in the Quran?

The lice (Al-Qummal) and locusts (Al-Jarād) were two of the divine plagues sent to Pharaoh and his people as described in Quran 7:133. According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the locusts devoured their crops and fruits, while the lice, or other vermin, infested their persons and homes, causing widespread misery as a punishment for their disbelief.

Why did Allah send plagues like lice and locusts to Pharaoh's people?

Allah sent these plagues as 'distinct signs' (āyātin mufaṣṣalātin) to demonstrate His absolute power and the truthfulness of Prophet Musa (Moses). As classical scholars explain, they were a direct response to the Egyptians' arrogance, persistent disbelief, and their refusal to release the Children of Israel from bondage.

What does the Arabic word 'Al-Qummal' mean in Surah Al-A'raf?

The Arabic word 'Al-Qummal' (ٱلْقُمَّلَ) is most commonly translated as 'the lice'. However, classical commentators like Al-Tabari and others also discuss alternative meanings such as weevils that destroy grain, ticks, fleas, or other small, pervasive vermin, indicating a comprehensive infestation that attacked both people and their food supplies.

Lice and Locusts in the Quran: A Divine Sign to Pharaoh

lice and locusts

Explore Verses Related to lice and locusts

🕋Al-A'raf7:133

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the 'Lice and Locusts' (Al-Qummal wal-Jarād) are two of the five detailed plagues mentioned in Surah Al-A'raf (7:133) sent by Allah as a divine punishment upon Pharaoh and his people. Tafsir Ibn Kathir elaborates that these were not mere natural occurrences but overwhelming miracles; the locusts (Al-Jarād) consumed all their crops and vegetation, while the lice (Al-Qummal) infested their bodies, clothes, and food, causing unbearable affliction. Al-Tabari discusses the linguistic meaning of 'Al-Qummal', noting interpretations that include lice, ticks, or weevils, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the plague. These signs were sent in response to the Egyptians' persistent arrogance and their rejection of Prophet Musa's message, serving as clear, undeniable proofs (āyātin mufaṣṣalātin) of Allah's omnipotence and a direct consequence of their transgressions.

📖 Quranic Context

They are key events in the narrative of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh, serving as undeniable proofs of God's power and a punishment for disbelief and tyranny.

Sent by Allah as 'mufassalat' (detailed, clear) signs to a rebellious people.

References: Mentioned together as two of the plagues in Surah Al-A'raf 7:133.

💭 Theological Perspective

Demonstrates humanity's tendency towards arrogance and breaking promises when hardship is removed.

Illustrates the psychological impact of overwhelming, divinely-ordained calamities on a society.

Serve as a powerful, tangible form of divine warning against rejecting a prophet's message.

The story serves as a lesson (ibrah) for believers on the consequences of arrogance and the importance of heeding divine signs.

📜 Hadith Perspective

While the primary source is the Quran, narrations in Tafsir literature expand on the devastating nature of these plagues.

Universal agreement among scholars that these were miraculous events sent as punishments to Pharaoh's people.

💎 Deeper Insights

Search grounding reveals that the scholarly debate over 'Al-Qummal' (lice, weevils, ticks) is itself a profound sign. It indicates a multi-faceted plague that attacked the Egyptians on all fronts simultaneously: their bodies (lice/ticks), their food stores (weevils), and their psychological well-being. This demonstrates a comprehensive, inescapable divine punishment that dismantled their society from the inside out, a depth not apparent from a single translation.

— Al-Tabari, Maududi