ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ 23
Translations
Then there will be no [excuse upon] examination except they will say, "By Allāh, our Lord, we were not those who associated."
Transliteration
Thumma lam takun fitnatuhum illā an qālū wallāhi rabbinā mā kunnā mushrikīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the false defense of the polytheists on the Day of Judgment, when they will deny their shirk (associating partners with Allah) by swearing oaths to Allah their Lord, claiming they were never idolaters. Ibn Kathir explains that their 'trial' (fitna) will consist of this very denial and false oath, which will be of no benefit to them since Allah is fully aware of their deception and disbelief during their worldly lives. Al-Tabari notes that this represents the desperate attempt of the disbelievers to excuse themselves before Allah, despite the clear evidence of their polytheism.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader Meccan discourse on the Day of Judgment and the arguments that will transpire between Allah and those who rejected His message. It follows verses describing how the disbelievers will be brought before Allah, and precedes the Divine response that their denial will be rejected. The context emphasizes that no excuse or false oath will avail the polytheists on that day.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Surah Al-An'am 6:24, which immediately follows, stating 'But when they will see the punishment, the excuse of those who did wrong will become useless' (Sahih International). Additionally, Surah An-Nahl 16:87 echoes this concept: 'And [for] those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder that no lie, excuse, or false oath can deceive Allah on the Day of Judgment—He knows the truth of all hearts and deeds. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of sincere tawhid (monotheism) during our lifetime, as attempts to deny or hide our true beliefs will be exposed and rendered powerless before Allah.