Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And As-Saihah (torment - awful cry) overtook the wrong-doers, so they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes,
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَأَخَذَwa-akhadhaAnd seized
ٱلَّذِينَalladhīnathose who
ظَلَمُوا۟ẓalamūwronged
ٱلصَّيْحَةُl-ṣayḥatuthe thunderous blast
فَأَصْبَحُوا۟fa-aṣbaḥūthen they became
فِىfīin
دِيَـٰرِهِمْdiyārihimtheir homes
جَـٰثِمِينَjāthimīnafallen prone
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
67. 1. This punishment came in the form of صَیْحَۃً (a shriek, a loud thunderous blast). According to some, this was the shriek of Angel Jibreel ؑ, and according to others, it came from the sky. Their hearts were torn apart by it and they died; after this, or along with it, an earthquake (rajfah) also occurred, which overturned everything. As in Surah Al-A'raf 78 (فَاَخَذَتْهُمُالرَّجْفَةُفَاَصْبَحُوْافِيْدَارِهِمْجٰثِمِيْنَ), the words "fa akhadhathum al-rajfah" are used.
67. 2. Just as a bird, after dying, lies on the ground with the dust, in the same way, after meeting death, they lay face down on the ground.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
67. And those who did wrong were seized by a mighty blast [79], and they lay lifeless in their homes, facedown.
[79] The Nature of the Punishment on the People of Thamud: This nation was struck by a punishment of a mighty blast, and at the same time, severe tremors of an earthquake began. It is possible that the sound of the blast was also produced by the splitting of the earth and the earthquake. Due to this double punishment, they perished in their homes, and the settlement became so desolate and ruined as if no human had ever lived there. This dreadful end befell them because they had abandoned their true Creator and considered idols and such things as their helpers and saviors, which could not benefit them in their time of need.