🎺 Understanding the TRUMPET (Ṣūr) in Islamic Eschatology

Comprehensive Definition

In Islamic eschatology, the Trumpet (Arabic: ṣūr, صور‎) is an instrument that signifies major cosmic events, particularly in the narrative of the Day of Resurrection. According to the Quran, the Trumpet will be blown to signal the end of the world and the start of resurrection. This concept parallels the eschatological beliefs in other religions where trumpets or similar instruments play crucial roles in the end times.

Etymology

The term “ṣūr” (صور) in Arabic directly translates to “trumpet.” It is commonly used in Islamic texts to denote the instrument of divine summoning used by an angel, primarily identified as Isrāfīl (اسرافيل‎), to signal the Day of Judgment.

Background

The concept of the Trumpet in Islamic eschatology derives from several Quranic verses that outline its importance in heralding the Last Day. The most explicit reference is found in Sūrah Az-Zumar (Sūrah 39:68):

“And the Trumpet shall be blown (first), and those who are in the heavens and in the earth shall swoon (or die), save whom Allah pleases. Then it shall be blown again, and behold, they shall rise again, looking on.”

Sequence of Trumpet Blows

1. First Blast (نفخة الفزع, Nafkhat al-Fazaʿ - the Blast of Consternation): This blast will cause all creatures in the heavens and earth to swoon, symbolizing the end of the world’s current state.
2. Second Blast (نفخة الصعق, Nafkhat al-Saʿq - the Blast of Examination): This blast, as per some traditions, will cause a period of trial or evaluation.
3. Third Blast (نفخة البعث, Nafkhat al-Baʿth - the Blast of Resurrection): Initiating the resurrection of the dead, leading to the final judgment.

Note: While Al-Baiẓāwī and others assert there are only two blasts, many Traditionists (عالم الحديث, `Ulamā’ al-Ḥadīs) support the inclusion of the second intermediary blast.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

The concept of a trumpeting sound signaling eschatological events is not unique to Islam. It appears in:

• Judaism: The shofar (ram’s horn) blown during Rosh Hashanah has thematic parallels.
• Christianity: The Book of Revelation describes seven trumpets that announce apocalyptic events.

Synonyms

• Nafkhat al-Ṣūr (نفخة الصور): Blast of the Trumpet.
• Isrāfīl’s Trumpet: Referring to the angel tasked with blowing the trumpet.

Antonyms

• Quietude: Symbolizing absence of events or cosmic silence.
• Peace: The final state of tranquility after eschatological happenings.

Related Terms and Definitions

1. Isrāfīl (اسرافيل‎): The angel assigned to blow the trumpet.
2. Qiyāmah (قيامة): The Day of Resurrection or Judgment.
3. Nafkha (نفخة): Breath of life or blast in eschatological context.
4. Barzakh (برزخ): The intermediary state between death and resurrection.

Exciting Fact

Islamic mythology holds that Isrāfīl has been prepared to blow the trumpet since the creation of humans, lending a timeless and imminent aspect to eschatological beliefs.

Quotations from Notable Writers

1. Al-Ghazali: “The trumpet is not merely an instrument but the call to rebirth of creation itself.”
2. Rumi: “When the trumpet blows, all souls light up the cosmos with their resurrected essence.”

Suggested Literature and Other Sources

1. ‘Al-Kashf al-Mahjub’ by Ali Hujwiri - An exploration of Sufi eschatology.
2. ‘Tafsir Al-Jalalayn’ - Qur’anic exegesis covering details about nage of qal timers.
3. ‘The End of Days: Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount’ by Gershom Gorenberg - Analysis of apocalyptic beliefs in Judaism and their intersections with other faiths.

In understanding eschatological symbols, may we all embody a quest for enlightenment and preparation. Until our next unveiling of the world of knowledge.

Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, 2023