Surah Al-Anbiya 21:96
سُورَةُ الأَنبِيَاءِ · Meccan · Verse 96 of 112
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ
Translation
and when the peoples of Gog and Magog are let loose and swarm swiftly from every highland,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The Looming Sign of `Hatta`
This verse begins with the particle `حَتَّىٰ` (hatta), a word that often means "until." However, in this specific context, as Ibn Ashur explains, it serves a deeper rhetorical purpose. Here, `hatta` acts as an introductory particle, signaling that Allah is bringing a previous discussion to a powerful conclusion with the information that follows. It connects to the preceding verse's warning about communities that were destroyed and the impossibility of their return (from disbelief) until a specific, appointed time. This `hatta` then introduces a major sign marking the nearing of that ultimate time: the unleashing of Ya'juj and Ma'juj.
The Opening and Their Emergence
The Arabic `فُتِحَتْ` (futihāt) means "were opened." What is notable in the Arabic wording, as multiple scholars like Ibn Ashur and Zamakhshari point out, is that the verb `futihāt` is in the feminine form, even though `يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ` (Ya'juj and Ma'juj) are proper names for tribes, which might typically be associated with masculine references. This subtle grammatical choice implies a missing, feminine noun. It suggests that what is actually opened is their "sadd" (dam or barrier) or that they are being referred to as a "nation" or "tribes," which are feminine nouns in Arabic. This linguistic precision ensures we understand that their emergence is a breaking forth from a long-held confinement, rather than simply an appearance.
Swarming from Every Height
The verse continues with a vivid depiction: `وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ` (and they, from every elevated ground, swiftly descend/swarm). The word `حَدَبٍ` (hadab) refers to any raised part of the earth, like a hill or mound. This imagery portrays them pouring forth from all directions, utilizing every vantage point as they spread. The choice of the verb `يَنسِلُونَ` (yansilūn) is particularly potent. Ibn Ashur highlights that this word originally describes the swift, purposeful, almost predatory walk of a wolf. Its use here is a remarkable aspect of the Quran's profound wisdom, painting a vivid picture of Ya'juj and Ma'juj not just as numerous, but as moving with a ravenous speed and destructive intent, spreading chaos and corruption like hungry wolves across the land. This specific word choice emphasizes their nature and the terrifying impact of their sudden, widespread arrival.
This precise wording, from `hatta` to `yansilūn`, crafts a vivid and profound picture of an unparalleled event, serving as a stark reminder of the ultimate Day and the importance of being alert and prepared.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Qur'anic Worlds
This verse, like a dramatic curtain opening, speaks of a momentous event that signals the very near approach of the Day of Judgment. It is Allah speaking, revealing a profound sign that would reshape the earth before its final end. The immediate context of the surrounding verses is a warning to those who are heedless, reminding them of the inevitable return to Allah and the reckoning for their deeds. This verse serves as a stark marker on the timeline of existence, vividly describing a major end-of-times occurrence.
Who Are They and What Happens?
The verse mentions Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog). These are two vast nations, descendants of Adam, held back by a barrier constructed by Dhulqarnain, as detailed in Surah Al-Kahf. Mufti Shafi explains that the word *futihāt* (فُتِحَتْ), meaning "released" or "opened," implies that they have been under a divine restraint. When the appointed time comes, this barrier will give way, allowing them to emerge. Narrations from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as found in al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, describe them as incredibly numerous, with distinct physical characteristics like broad faces and small eyes, signifying a people unlike others.
Their Overwhelming Emergence
The verse continues, *“wa hum min kulli hadabin yansilūn”* (وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ), meaning "while they run down from every height." The Arabic word *hadab* refers to any elevated place, be it a mountain or a high hill. *Yansilūn* paints a picture of them rushing forth swiftly, in an overwhelming torrent, much like a wolf's swift stride, as al-Baghawi notes. Imagine countless masses pouring down from every elevated landscape, spreading rapidly across the earth. This imagery conveys their sheer numbers and the unstoppable nature of their advance. Narrations in al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir describe their destructive path: they will drink the waters of lakes and rivers dry, even Lake Tiberias, and spread corruption throughout the land. This event is one of the major signs of the Hour, emphasizing its scale and impact on the entire world.
A Sign of the End
The appearance of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is not just a historical curiosity; it is a powerful reminder of the approaching Day of Judgment. It underscores the truth that everything foretold by Allah and His Messenger will indeed come to pass. This vivid description serves to awaken our hearts to the reality of the unseen, prompting us to reflect on our own preparedness for a future that is certain. It reminds us that worldly life is fleeting and that monumental events await us all. The overwhelming nature of this event, and the panic it causes among the heedless (mentioned in the subsequent verses), serves as a potent warning against being caught unaware.
Sources: Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Worldly Mirror
This verse opens a window to one of the momentous signs preceding the Day of Judgment: the release of Yajuj and Majuj. Allah describes them rushing forth, saying, "حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ" (Until when Gog and Magog are let loose, and they swiftly swarm from every elevated place). The Ayah Context tells us that when their barrier is opened, and they spread rapidly across the earth, the Day of Resurrection draws near, bringing its terrors that will leave the eyes of disbelievers wide with fear, lamenting their heedlessness.
A Powerful Swarm
The image of Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog) "مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ" (from every elevated place they swiftly swarm) is vivid. The word "حدب" (hadab) refers to an elevated place or mound, and "ينسلون" (yansiloon) depicts a quick, hastening movement, like a wolf on the prowl, as explained by Ibn al-Jawzi. This paints a picture of an overwhelming, widespread, and rapid emergence.
Worldly Reflections of Power
Through the Worldly Mirror lens, this ayah invites us to consider sociopolitical or communal patterns that echo this powerful, dominating force. Some scholars have pondered whether this description resonates with historical or contemporary world powers. Sayyid Qutb, for instance, suggested that the Tatar invasions, which swiftly overran vast lands, might be an example of such a widespread, overwhelming force that signaled a major shift, and the "nearness" of the Hour could be understood in divine rather than human timeframes.
Israr Ahmad takes this reflection further, proposing that the European colonization of the 18th and 19th centuries by nations often described as "Nordic Races" or "White Anglo Saxons," which rapidly spread across Asia and Africa, could be seen as a manifestation of the "swarming from every elevated place." He also highlights how, even after formal independence, these nations continue to exert influence through institutions like the World Bank and IMF. This interpretation suggests that the spirit of Yajuj and Majuj, a dominant, rapidly expanding, and often oppressive global force, can manifest in different forms throughout history, challenging the stability and justice of the world.
Our Reflection
Whether we understand Yajuj and Majuj as a specific future event, or we reflect on the patterns of global domination throughout history, the ayah serves as a powerful reminder. It calls us to recognize the signs of the times and to be vigilant against any form of oppression or heedlessness that mirrors the characteristics of those who will be terrified on the Day of Judgment. It nudges us to move beyond mere information to a spiritual diagnosis: are we prepared for the ultimate reckoning, and are we actively working to counter injustice and heedlessness in our own lives and societies? The swiftness and universality of their descent should trigger a sense of urgency in us to prepare for the "True Promise", the Day of Judgment, and not to be among the heedless, oblivious ones described in the verses that follow.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Connections
This verse, Surah Al-Anbiya, ayah 96, paints a vivid picture of a profound future event:
The Prophetic Unveiling
The verse describes a pivotal moment: "Until when Gog and Magog are opened, and they swiftly swarm from every elevated place." (حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ). This is not just a standalone description, but a clear sign, a marker in the timeline of human existence. As al-Sabuni explains, Allah has made the emergence of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) a distinct sign of the Hour's (Day of Judgment's) closeness.
A Thread in the Tapestry
To understand this ayah deeply, we look at its connections. Al-Wasit notes that the word "until" (حتىٰ) here acts as an initial connector, marking the culmination of what precedes it. The verses before this one speak of those who reject Allah and their inevitable return for accountability. This release of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is presented as the ultimate point (غاية) leading to the Day of Judgment itself. It signifies that the period of ignoring accountability is finite, and the true reckoning is drawing near.
Immediately following this verse, the Quran states, "And the True Promise (the Day of Judgment) has drawn near." (21:97). This direct linkage, highlighted by al-Sabuni, shows how the Quran interprets itself. The event described in ayah 96 is the undeniable precursor, the "clue," as it were, that the "True Promise" is at hand. These formidable tribes will emerge "from every elevated place" (مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ), meaning from every high ground, "hastening" (يَنسِلُونَ) with rapid, close steps, as al-Biqa'i illustrates, "like a wolf's stride." This imagery conveys their vast numbers and irresistible surge. Al-Biqa'i even suggests this description subtly hints at the Earth's spherical nature. Their release from the previously described barrier marks the beginning of their spread of corruption across the Earth.
The Surah's Larger Message
This dramatic announcement in Surah al-Anbiya, the Chapter of the Prophets, serves a powerful purpose within the surah's broader narrative. The surah has presented many prophets, their trials, and the unwavering truth of monotheism and the return to Allah. The mention of Ya'juj and Ma'juj and the impending Hour brings all these themes to a powerful climax. It's a profound reminder that this worldly life has an expiration date, and our ultimate return is to Allah. The signs will be clear, and there will be no escaping the final reckoning. This connection compels us to reflect on our own preparedness for that inevitable day.
Source: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Sources: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Anbiya 21:96 is discussed in one study guide on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Anbiya 21:96 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.