What does the Quran say will happen to the mountains on the Day of Judgment?

According to Surah Al-Muzzammil, verse 14, on the Day of Judgment, the earth and the mountains will convulse violently, and the mountains will become like a heap of flowing sand ('kathīban mahīlā'), signifying their complete disintegration before the final reckoning.

What is the meaning of 'kathīban mahīlā' in Quran 73:14?

The Arabic phrase 'kathīban mahīlā' describes the state of the mountains on the Day of Judgment. 'Kathīb' means a heap of sand or a dune, and 'mahīl' means poured out or flowing. Classical scholars explain this to mean the mountains will lose their solid form and become like shifting sand.

Why is the destruction of mountains a significant sign in Islamic eschatology?

In Islamic eschatology, the destruction of mountains, symbols of firmness and stability, is a profound sign of the end of the current world order. It demonstrates the absolute power of Allah and the transient nature of all creation, serving as a powerful warning to humanity about the reality of the Hereafter.

Mountains as a Heap of Flowing Sand: An Eschatological Sign in the Quran

↑Parent: earth

will be convulsed and become like a moving sand-dune

Explore Verses Related to will be convulsed and become like a moving sand-dune

🕋Al-Muzzammil73:14

At a Glance

In the eschatological landscape of the Quran, the phrase 'will be convulsed and become like a moving sand-dune' refers to the dramatic transformation of the mountains on the Day of Judgment, as described in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:14). The Arabic term for this is 'kathīban mahīlā,' where 'kathīb' signifies a heap of sand and 'mahīl' means flowing or poured out. According to classical commentators like Ibn Kathir, this verse depicts a moment when the mountains, the very symbols of stability, will violently shake and lose their form, becoming like shifting sand dunes. This event is a powerful sign of the end of the physical world as we know it and a testament to the absolute power of Allah. Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi elaborates that the cohesive forces binding the mountains will cease, leading to their complete disintegration before the final reckoning. This vivid imagery serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of the Hereafter.

📖 Quranic Context

A key eschatological sign illustrating the immense power of Allah and the ephemeral nature of the world on the Day of Judgment.

Demonstrates the absolute power of the Creator over His creation, transforming the most solid of structures into fluid matter.

References: Specifically mentioned in 73:14.

💭 Theological Perspective

Serves as a profound reminder of human fragility and the impermanence of the physical world, urging a shift in focus towards eternal spiritual realities.

This imagery is intended to instill a sense of awe and healthy fear of the Day of Judgment, motivating believers towards righteous actions and repentance.

Acts as a powerful warning to those who deny the Hereafter, showcasing the reality of the final day.

Contemplation on this verse can help detach the heart from worldly attachments and foster a deeper reliance on Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

While this specific phrase is unique to the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently spoke about the cataclysmic events of the Day of Judgment, including the leveling of mountains.

The complete transformation of the earth on the Day of Resurrection.
The transient nature of this worldly life.
The absolute power of Allah over all creation.

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that this verse describes a literal, physical transformation of the mountains at the end of time.

💎 Deeper Insights

The term 'mahīlā' (flowing/poured out) suggests a complete loss of solidity, transforming the mountains from symbols of firmness into a fluid, unstable mass. This dynamic imagery emphasizes not just destruction, but a fundamental reversal of the natural order, a core theme of the Day of Judgment.

— Al-Tabari, Al-Jalalayn

The sequence of events described across the Quran—convulsion (73:14), being reduced to dust and scattered (20:105), becoming like carded wool (101:5)—reveals a multi-stage annihilation process. Verse 73:14 describes a specific, early stage in this cosmic deconstruction, where the mountains lose their internal cohesion and become like shifting sand.

— Ibn Kathir, Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi

Explore Verses Related to will be convulsed and become like a moving sand-dune

At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

💎 Deeper Insights

Related Topics

Parent Topic

Related Topics (4)