Surah 26. Ash-Shuara, Ayah 189

This may refer either to the physical darkness which often accompanies volcanic eruptions and earthquakes (which, as shown in 7:91 , overtook the people of Madyan), or to the spiritual darkness and gloom which comes in the wake of belated regrets.

 They were targeted by scorching heat, so they did not know where to go. Finally, a soothing cloud appeared in the sky, so they rushed to it for shade, then the cloud rained torment upon them, as they had requested.

Perhaps a shower of ashes and cinders accompanying a volcanic eruption. If these people were the same as the Midianites, there was also an earthquake. See vii. 91 and n. 1063.

It must have been a terrible day of wholesale destruction-earthquake, volcanic eruption, lava, cinders and ashes and rumbling noises to frighten those whose death was not instantaneous.