Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 87

Explanatory Note

From this situation in our present life the sūrah moves immediately to the day when the trumpet is blown. This heralds great horror for all, except those protected by God’s will. In addition the mountains that have been symbols of firmness and stability are made to move. The day ends with giving the good believers their reward in the form of security and goodness, while the others are punished by fear, thrown on their faces into the fire.

The trumpet is blown for the first time to strike terror in the hearts of all creatures except those whom God wishes to spare. It is said that those who are exempt are the martyrs. With this extraordinary sound emanating from the trumpet all living creatures are struck and become senseless. Then the trumpet is blown a second time bringing them all back to life. It is then blown again to gather them all together: “All shall come to Him in utter humility.” (Verse 87)

With this great terror, a universal upheaval takes place with everything losing its normal systemic functioning. Thus firm mountains that have been symbols of stability move lightly like clouds. This is an image that shows the terror at its clearest. It is as if the mountains are in fear, moving with those who are struck with terror, confused, unable to determine their direction.