“Nashr” or “Nashoor” is another name that has been used in various verses of the Qura’n for the Day of Reckoning. These points to a human life after death as we read in the fifth verse under discussion that says, “It is God, who sends the winds, and they raise clouds, then We drive them on to a country that is dead and we give life to earth there after its death; and even so is the resurrection.”

According to Raghib in Mafuradat “Nashr” and “Nashoor” are used to denote scattering and spreading like spreading of cloth or paper and the scattering of clouds and grace and has been used for traditions too.

According to Maqayis-ol-Loghata this word means to unravel and includes scattering also.

This is why the word “Nashr” is used for the spreading of fragrance.

The word has been used for the Day of Reckoning because mankind on that day will be spread all over the world as has been mentioned in the abovementioned verse or because of the unfolding of the book of deeds as mentioned in verse 10 of Surah Takwir that says, “ And the books of deeds are unfolded”

The point to be noted is that some traditions mention that God will send a special rain from below the Throne on the Day of Judgment. The dead bodies will come to life after it falls on the earth and so will grow the vegetation. Then the souls will be cast into them. The earth will split and they will come out as if the earth was a womb for them. (1)

Another Hadith says: One person asked the Messenger “How does God resurrect the dead?” He answered “Have you ever passed a barren land and then when you re-crossed it you want it to be green?” the man replied, “Yes I have” The Messenger said, “God resurrects the dead in the same way” or said, “Nashoor too is like this.” (2)

1. Tafsir Ruhul Bayan Vol.7 page 323 (excerpts)

2. Tafsir Ruhul Bayan vol.7 page 323