Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
So the earthquake seized them, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
فَأَخَذَتْهُمُfa-akhadhathumuSo seized them
ٱلرَّجْفَةُl-rajfatuthe earthquake
فَأَصْبَحُوا۟fa-aṣbaḥūthen they became
فِىfīin
دَارِهِمْdārihimtheir 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.
(Ayah 78) ➊ {فَاَخَذَتْهُمُالرَّجْفَةُ …… :} In Surah Hud (65, 66), it is mentioned that when Salih (peace be upon him) saw that they had hamstrung the she-camel, he gave them a respite of three days. When this respite ended, the punishment descended upon them, and Allah Almighty saved Salih (peace be upon him) and his believing companions; all the rest of the people were destroyed. In the commentaries and hadiths, it is mentioned that only one person among them, Abu Righal, was residing in the Haram during those days; he remained safe from the punishment, but when he left the Haram and set out towards Ta’if, he too was destroyed and buried on the way. The Commander of the Faithful, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), mentioned that those passing by would stone his grave. [ ابن حبان : ۴۶۳ ] It is narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty destroyed all of them under the sky, except for one person who was in the Haram.” It was asked: “Who was he?” He replied: “He was Abu Righal, but as soon as he left the Haram, the punishment seized him as well.” [ مستدرک حاکم : 320/2، ح : ۳۲۴۸۔ أحمد : 296/3، ح : ۱۴۱۶۰ ] Shu‘ayb Arna’ut and his colleagues have graded this hadith as strong. Here, {’’ الرَّجْفَةُ ‘‘} (earthquake) is mentioned, and in Surah Hud (67), { ’’ الصَّيْحَةُ ‘‘} (cry) is mentioned. This shows that two types of punishment came upon this people: from above, the Saihah (cry), and from below, the earthquake; or that terrifying sound, i.e., the cry, was from the earthquake itself, as it has been observed that with an earthquake, there is also a terrifying sound.
➋ { ’’ جٰثِمِيْنَ ‘‘ } This is an active participle from {’’جُثُوْمٌ ‘‘}; it is used for humans and birds in the same sense as {’’ بُرُوْكٌ ‘‘} is used for camels, meaning those who fall on their chests or cannot move from their place. That is, they were fallen on their knees, face down, with no movement left in them. (Tantawi)
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.
78. 1. Here, رَجْفَہ (earthquake) is mentioned. In another place, صَیْحَۃ (cry) is mentioned. From this, it is understood that both types of punishment came upon them. A severe cry from above and an earthquake from below. These two punishments completely destroyed them.
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.
So the earthquake [83] seized them, and they lay lifeless in their homes, fallen on their faces.
[83] The Ruins of the People of Thamud:
Allah Almighty also informed Sayyiduna Salih ؑ of their plot and the command for migration was also given. On the third day, those people saw a black cloud approaching them from the direction of the mountains, so they became very happy, thinking that now it would rain. But this was not a rain-bringing cloud; rather, it was the punishment of Allah that was to descend upon their lives, in which there was smoke mixed with the black, filthy vapors of sulfur. At the same time, some lava erupted from a mountain, causing a severe earthquake, and from it came terrifying shrieks whose sounds would make hearts tremble and ears burst, and the filthy smoke entered their bodies, rendering their hearts and livers useless, and even breathing became impossible for them. Thus, the entire nation, screaming and writhing in agony, fell dead right there, and this severe earthquake turned their palaces into ruins. The houses carved into the mountains, except for a few, were all shattered to pieces. When, on the return from the Battle of Tabuk, the Noble Prophet ﷺ stopped for a short while at the place of Hijr, he ﷺ showed the noble Companions رضوان اللہ علیہم اجمعین the well from which the she-camel used to drink water; this pass is called Fajj al-Naqah. Then, some of the Companions رضوان اللہ علیہم اجمعین went to see their ruins for sightseeing, so upon this, the Prophet ﷺ said that such places where Allah’s punishment has descended are places of lesson; when you enter them, enter while fearing Allah and weeping, and leave quickly from there, lest the same punishment that befell them should befall you. [بخاري۔ كتاب بدالانبياء باب قول الله ﴿وَاِليٰ ثَمُوْدَ اَخَاهُمْ صٰلِحًا﴾ هود: 61]