The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 2) — Page 563
PT. 8 AL-A'RAF CH. 7 فَاَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا فِي So the earthquake seized. 79 them and in their homes they prostrate lay ground. 977 upon the دَارِهِمْ جُثِمِينَ a7:92; 11:68; 15:84; 26:159. b7:63, 69; 46:24. in the clause, bring us that, is to the punishment mentioned in 7:74 above. The she-camel was held out as a sign, and that sign was to be witnessed on her being obstructed by disbelievers. They not only hindered the free movement of the she-camel but even wounded and killed her which amounted to an open challenge to Salih to do his worst,—to call upon his God to send down the threatened punishment upon them. 977. Important Words: ,which means رجف (earthquake) is derived from it was or became in a state of motion, commotion, convulsion or disturbance or in a state of violent motion, etc. means, commotion convulsion, particularly an earthquake; a violent earthquake; a vehement cry from heaven; any punishment that befalls a people (Lane). or entered upon a means, Zaid means, he became; or he certain state. W became learned. So they became prostrate, i. e. they lay prostrate; or they entered upon the time of morning, while they lay prostrate (Lane & Aqrab). (prostrate on the ground) is the plural of which is the active participle from which means, she clove to the ground, or he fell upon his breast; or he kept to his place, not quitting it. So means, one who, or that which, cleaves to the ground or falls upon his or its breast. It also means motionless or dead (Lane & Aqrab). Commentary: According to the different meanings of the word given under Important Words, the verse would mean that (1) they were crushed to death by the (lay) is derived from earthquake and lay prostrate; (2) which again is derived from. They when the earthquake overtook them, i. e. he came to the people they were terrified and fell prostrate in the morning. means: (1) he on the ground, praying to God for entered upon the time of morning; (2) | deliverance. صبح القوم say 1003