The First and Second Blowing of the Trumpet
The First and Second Blowing of the Trumpet: A Detailed Analysis
The blowing of the trumpet is one of the most profound and terrifying events described in Islamic eschatology, marking the end of the world and the beginning of the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah). This event is signified by two blowings of the trumpet, and it plays a critical role in the transition from the worldly life to the eternal Hereafter. The first blowing will bring about the destruction of all life, and the second will signal the resurrection of all beings for judgment before Allah.
In the Quran, Allah describes the first blowing in Surah Az-Zumar:
“وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ اللَّهُ ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:68)
“And the trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will fall dead, except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and suddenly they will be standing, looking on.”
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also spoke of this event in numerous hadith, highlighting the significance of these two blowings. He said:
“كيف أنعم، وصاحب القرن قد التقم القرن، وحنى جبهته، ينتظر متى يؤمر فينفخ؟”
(Sahih Muslim 2942)
“How can I be at ease when the one with the horn has placed it to his mouth, inclining his forehead, waiting to be commanded to blow?”
This introduction serves as a reminder of the reality of Qiyamah, urging us to prepare ourselves for the inevitable moment when the trumpet will blow.
The Role of Angel Israfil (عليه السلام) in Blowing the Trumpet
Israfil (عليه السلام) is one of the four major archangels in Islam, and he is entrusted with the responsibility of blowing the trumpet. His task is so significant that he has been waiting for Allah’s command with the trumpet ready at all times.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“كَيْفَ أَنْعَمُ وَصَاحِبُ القَرْنِ قَدِ التَقَمَ القَرْنَ وَحَنَى جَبْهَتَهُ يَسْتَمِعُ مَتَى يُؤْمَرُ فَيَنْفُخُ”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi 2431)
“How can I be at ease when the one with the horn (Israfil) has placed it to his mouth, inclined his forehead, and is waiting to be commanded to blow?”
This Hadith highlights the nearness of the final hour and how Israfil (عليه السلام) is always prepared for this momentous event.
The First Blowing of the Trumpet: The End of the World
The first blowing of the trumpet, known as نفخة الفزع (The Blow of Terror) or نفخة الصعق (The Blow of Death), will signal the destruction of all life in the heavens and the earth.
The Quranic Description of the First Blowing
Allah says:
“فَإِذَا نُقِرَ فِي النَّاقُورِ فَذَٰلِكَ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَوْمٌ عَسِيرٌ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ غَيْرُ يَسِيرٍ”
(Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:8-10)
“Then when the Trumpet is blown, that Day will be a difficult day, for the disbelievers—not easy.”
This verse emphasizes that the first blowing will bring immense terror, particularly for those who denied Allah and His Messenger.
Another verse states:
“وَيَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِي الصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوْهُ دَاخِرِينَ”
(Surah An-Naml 27:87)
“And on the Day when the trumpet is blown, all who are in the heavens and the earth will be struck with terror, except whom Allah wills, and all shall come to Him humbled.”
The Hadith Description of the First Blowing
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described how this event will take place:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَّا فَرَغَ مِنْ خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ خَلَقَ الصُّورَ، فَأَعْطَاهُ إِسْرَافِيلَ، فَهُوَ وَاضِعُهُ عَلَى فِيهِ، شَاخِصٌ بِبَصَرِهِ إِلَى الْعَرْشِ يَنْتَظِرُ مَتَى يُؤْمَرُ”
(Musnad Ahmad 16245)
“When Allah finished creating the heavens and the earth, He created the trumpet and gave it to Israfil, who has placed it upon his mouth, looking towards the Throne, waiting to be commanded.”
The first blowing will cause the collapse of mountains, the destruction of the earth, and the death of all living beings.
The Period Between the Two Blowings
Between the first and second blowing of the trumpet, a period of 40 will pass. The exact nature of this time frame is unknown, whether it is 40 days, 40 months, or 40 years, as the Prophet (ﷺ) did not specify.
“بَيْنَ النَّفْخَتَيْنِ أَرْبَعُونَ”
(Sahih Muslim 2955)
“Between the two blowings, there will be forty.”
During this period, the entire universe will be in a state of death and nothingness, except for those whom Allah wills to remain alive.
The Second Blowing of the Trumpet: Resurrection and Judgment
The second blowing of the trumpet, known as نفخة البعث (The Blow of Resurrection), will bring every soul back to life for the Day of Judgment.
The Quranic Description of the Second Blowing
Allah says:
“ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:68)
“Then it will be blown again, and suddenly they will be standing, looking on.”
This verse describes the sudden resurrection of all beings, awakening from their graves to face the judgment of Allah.
The Hadith Description of the Second Blowing
The Prophet (ﷺ) described the second blowing:
“يُحْشَرُ النَّاسُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حُفَاةً عُرَاةً غُرْلًا”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6527)
“The people will be gathered on the Day of Judgment barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised.”
This Hadith highlights the terrifying nature of resurrection, where all souls will be equal before Allah, waiting for their judgment.
The Importance of Preparing for the Blowing of the Trumpet
The blowing of the trumpet signifies the ultimate reality—the end of worldly life and the beginning of eternal accountability. Therefore, it is essential for every believer to prepare by increasing their faith, performing righteous deeds, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
Allah reminds us:
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَالْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:18)
“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look at what it has sent forth for tomorrow.”
Conclusion
The first and second blowings of the trumpet are monumental events that signal the ultimate end of the world and the commencement of the Hereafter. The first blowing will cause the death and destruction of everything in existence, except for whom Allah wills. This terrifying moment, as described in both the Quran and Hadith, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of Allah over all things.
The second blowing will bring about the resurrection of all beings, who will rise from their graves to stand before Allah for the Day of Judgment. This event is the beginning of eternal accountability, where each person will be judged according to their deeds. The descriptions of these events in the Quran and Hadith remind us of the transitory nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.
As believers, we are called to live a life of righteousness, constantly mindful of the approaching end and the eternal consequences of our actions. May we heed the lessons from the Quran and Hadith, strive to improve our faith, and seek Allah’s mercy. Ultimately, we must always remember that the certainty of the Day of Judgment is inevitable, and it is our deeds that will determine our eternal fate. Ameen.
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