وَلَا يُؤْذَنُ لَهُمْ فَيَعْتَذِرُونَ 36
Translations
Nor will it be permitted for them to make an excuse.
Transliteration
wa lā yu'dhanu lahum fa ya'tadhirūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the inhabitants of Hell will not be permitted to offer excuses or apologies for their disbelief and sins. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that on the Day of Judgment, all excuses will be rendered null and void, as Allah's justice is absolute and people had sufficient warning through His messengers and signs. This ayah underscores the finality of judgment and the futility of excuses before Allah when one's deeds have already determined their fate.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mursalat, a Meccan surah that powerfully describes the Day of Judgment and the fate of disbelievers and believers. The surah's context is eschatological, warning the Quraysh of the inevitable reckoning, and this particular ayah fits within the description of the helplessness and hopelessness of those in Hell.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned that on the Day of Judgment, people will wish to return to life to correct their deeds, but this will not be granted. Additionally, Surah Al-A'raf 7:53 contains a related theme: 'They will say, "Our Lord, we have obeyed our masters and our chiefs, and they led us astray from the [right] way."' showing the futility of excuses.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that excuses and deflections will have no value before Allah on the Day of Judgment; therefore, one must take responsibility for their choices in this life and turn to Allah in repentance while the opportunity exists. It also warns against postponing faith and obedience, as the chance to excuse oneself will be eternally lost.