وَكُنَّا نُكَذِّبُ بِيَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ 46
Translations
And we used to deny the Day of Recompense
Transliteration
wa-kunna nukadhdhibu bi-yawm ad-dīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The inhabitants of Hell acknowledge their denial of the Day of Judgment in this ayah, expressing regret for their rejection of accountability in the afterlife. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this statement reflects the remorse of the disbelievers once they witness the reality of resurrection and divine justice, which they stubbornly denied during their earthly lives. This admission serves as a confirmation that they possessed knowledge and received warnings, yet willfully turned away from the truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Muddaththir's vivid depiction of the Hellfire and the characteristics of its inhabitants. The surah addresses those who rejected the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and mocked the message of Islam, and this particular verse captures the moment when the deniers of the Day of Judgment realize their fatal error. It is part of a dialogue between the inhabitants of Hell and the angels, demonstrating the consequences of their choices.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most distant person from me on the Day of Judgment will be the proud person.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim describes scenes from the Day of Judgment where people will wish they had believed and followed the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that denying divine accountability does not negate its reality; rather, it only postpones one's reckoning to a moment when regret becomes permanent and useless. Believers should use this as motivation to constantly affirm belief in the Day of Judgment and live with consciousness of standing before Allah.