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.
Related Ayahs
ٱدْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَـٰمٍ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلْخُلُودِ
Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity."
لَّا ظَلِيلٍ وَلَا يُغْنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهَبِ
[But having] no cool shade and availing not against the flame."
وَأَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ يَوْمَ يَأْتِيهِمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ فَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَخِّرْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ نُّجِبْ دَعْوَتَكَ وَنَتَّبِعِ ٱلرُّسُلَ ۗ أَوَلَمْ تَكُونُوٓا۟ أَقْسَمْتُم مِّن قَبْلُ مَا لَكُم مِّن زَوَالٍ
And, [O Muḥammad], warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them and those who did wrong will say, "Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers." [But it will be said], "Had you not sworn, before, that for you there would be no cessation?
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ ۛ شَهِدْنَآ ۛ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَـٰذَا غَـٰفِلِينَ
And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes, we have testified." [This] - lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, "Indeed, we were of this unaware."