Surah Al-Haqqah 69:14
سُورَةُ الحَاقَّةِ · Meccan · Verse 14 of 52
وَحُمِلَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ فَدُكَّتَا دَكَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ
Translation
when the earth and its mountains are raised high and then crushed with a single blow,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse, part of a description of the Day of Judgment, paints a vivid picture of the world's end, emphasizing Allah's immense power through its specific wording.
Earth and Mountains Lifted
The verse begins with "وَحُمِلَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ" (And the earth and the mountains were lifted). The word "حُمِلَتِ" means "were carried" or "were raised." Ibn Ashur explains that this means they are removed from their places, perhaps by being displaced from their usual orbits and colliding with other celestial bodies, or by the actions of angels, or simply by Allah's direct power. The passive voice of the verb "حُمِلَتِ" (and "دُكَّتَا" later) is significant; it directs our attention to the *action* itself and its overwhelming effect, rather than explicitly naming the agent, underscoring that this is by Allah's command, regardless of the direct means.
A Single, Utter Crushing
Following their lifting, the verse states "فَدُكَّتَا دَكَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ" (then they were crushed with a single crushing blow). The word "دُكَّتَا" is a dual pronoun, referring to both the earth and the mountains, signifying that they are treated as one unit in this devastating act, as explained by al-Razi. The term "دَكّ" (dakk) is more profound and intense than simply "دقّ" (daqq, to pound), meaning a severe pulverization that breaks something completely, turning it into scattered dust or a leveled plain, as noted by al-Zamakhshari.
The most striking part of the wording here is "دَكَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ" (a single crushing blow). The repetition of "one" (واحِدَة) after "a single crushing" emphasizes that this monumental destruction, involving both the earth and its mighty mountains, occurs not gradually or through multiple impacts, but with astonishing swiftness and finality, requiring only one decisive act. Ibn Ashur highlights that this serves to awe us with Allah's power and the immediate, irresistible nature of His command. It indicates that the entire process of destruction happens without needing a second attempt or any repetition.
Thus, the precise choice of words, from the passive "lifted" to the emphatic "single crushing blow", leaves us contemplating the absolute, overwhelming power of Allah, before whom the grandest features of creation are as nothing, collapsing in an instant.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Haqqah 69:14 is discussed in 2 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
- Mountains (Jibal) (key verse)
- The Last Day (Al-Yawm al-Akhir)
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Haqqah 69:14 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.