سُوْرَةُ الْاَعْرَافِ

Surah Al-A'raaf (7) — Ayah 91

The Heights · Meccan · Juz 9 · Page 162

فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَـٰثِمِينَ ﴿91﴾
So the earthquake seized them and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.
فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ fa-akhadhathumu Then seized them
ٱلرَّجْفَةُ l-rajfatu the earthquake
فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ fa-aṣbaḥū then they became
فِى in
دَارِهِمْ dārihim their home(s)
جَـٰثِمِينَ jāthimīna fallen prone

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 91) {فَاَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ …:} Punishment came upon them in both ways, that is, { ’’ الرَّجْفَةُ ‘‘} (earthquake) as mentioned here, and {’’ الصَّيْحَةُ ‘‘} (shriek), as in Surah Hud (94). For {’’ الرَّجْفَةُ ‘‘}, see the footnotes of verse (78) of this Surah.

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.

91. 1. Imam Ibn Kathir states that all kinds of punishments were combined: first, a cloud cast a shadow over them, within which were flames, sparks, and blasts of fire; then a severe cry came from the sky and a tremor from the earth, by which their souls departed, and they became lifeless corpses, lying face down with their faces buried in their knees like birds.

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.

91. Then a severe earthquake [97] seized them, and they lay lifeless in their homes, fallen face down.

[97]
The Punishment Upon the People of Madyan:

By gathering some other verses of the Noble Quran regarding the punishment upon the people of Madyan, it becomes clear that three types of punishment befell them: shadow (cloud), shriek, and earthquake. That is, first a cloud spread over them from which flames and sparks of fire began to emerge, then from it a terrifying and heart-rending harsh sound was produced, and during this, an earthquake struck from below. In this way, these people passed away in their homes, having lain face down, pressing their chests to the ground so that they might feel the least pain from this punishment. As for Shu‘ayb ؑ and his companions, Allah had already commanded them to leave that town.