فَأْتُوا۟ بِـَٔابَآئِنَآ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ 36
Translations
Then bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful."
Transliteration
Fa'too bi-aba'ina in kuntum sadiqeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the challenge of the Meccan polytheists to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), demanding that he bring back their forefathers from the dead if he truly speaks the truth about resurrection and the afterlife. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents the stubborn denial of the disbelievers who rejected the concept of resurrection, using sarcasm and mockery to challenge the Prophet's message. The ayah exposes their arrogance and their demand for an impossible miracle as a pretext to deny the truth they already knew in their hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ad-Dukhan, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the Quran and the resurrection. The broader context (verses 34-36) depicts the Quraysh's mockery and their demand for tangible proof of resurrection through an impossible sign—bringing their deceased ancestors back to life—revealing their closed hearts and stubborn rejection despite the clear signs presented to them.
Related Hadiths
The theme of resurrection being denied is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the disbelievers' denial of the Hour (Judgment Day). Additionally, in Surah Yasin (36:48), a similar mockery is recorded: 'And when it is said to them, "Fear what is before you and what will come after you..." they turn away.' Both reflect the same arrogant rejection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the rejection of truth by those with hardened hearts often manifests as mockery and impossible demands rather than genuine seeking of knowledge. Modern readers should reflect on how dismissing spiritual realities through cynicism or unreasonable demands reflects a deeper spiritual blindness that requires sincere introspection and openness to divine guidance.
Related Ayahs
لَتَرْكَبُنَّ طَبَقًا عَن طَبَقٍ
[That] you will surely embark upon [i.e., experience] state after state.
ٱللَّهُ يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
Allāh begins creation; then He will repeat it; then to Him you will be returned.
إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا ۖ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقًّا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ لِيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ
To Him is your return all together. [It is] the promise of Allāh [which is] truth. Indeed, He begins the [process of] creation and then repeats it that He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds, in justice. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment for what they used to deny.
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ هَلْ نَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ يُنَبِّئُكُمْ إِذَا مُزِّقْتُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ إِنَّكُمْ لَفِى خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ
But those who disbelieve say, "Shall we direct you to a man who will inform you [that] when you have disintegrated in complete disintegration, you will [then] be [recreated] in a new creation?