Not Only Eruptions: Mountains as Evidence of the Terrifying Day of Judgment

Mountains have long symbolized strength and steadfastness. Yet the Quran presents a starkly different image of them at the arrival of the Day of Judgment: even these immense, seemingly unshakable formations will have no power to withstand it.

In Surah Al-Qari'ah, people are described as scattered moths, flying without direction, while the mountains are destroyed and dispersed like wool blown by the wind. The passage offers a vision of overwhelming upheaval, in which both humanity and the natural world lose their familiar order.

The article quotes the Ministry of Religious Affairs' interpretation of the verse: "Allah portrays the terror of the Day of Judgment through two things: the condition of people and the mountains. On that day, people will be like scattered moths. They will run in confusion, without clear direction, and no longer pay attention to their surroundings."

The name Al-Qari'ah itself refers to an event that strikes and shakes the hearts of everyone because of its enormity. Since its true nature is difficult to comprehend, the Quran describes what people will look like when it arrives. They will resemble moths swarming around a lamp at night, a comparison intended to convey their confusion and lack of direction.

The account presents the imagery as a reminder not to become absorbed in worldly life. It urges people to do good deeds and prepare for the hereafter.

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Allah portrays the terror of the Day of Judgment through two things: the condition of people and the mountains. On that day, people will be like scattered moths. They will run in confusion, without clear direction, and no longer pay attention to their surroundings.