ٱلَّذِى هُمْ فِيهِ مُخْتَلِفُونَ 3
Translations
That over which they are in disagreement.
Transliteration
Al-ladhi hum fihi mukhtalifun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Din), about which people dispute and disagree in their beliefs and acceptance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that despite the clear signs and proofs of the Hereafter presented in the Quran, people remain divided in their conviction—some believe firmly, others doubt, and still others reject it entirely. This division reflects humanity's varying degrees of faith and reasoning regarding divine realities.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naba opens in Meccan context addressing the skepticism of the disbelievers of Mecca who questioned and mocked the concept of resurrection and the Day of Judgment. This ayah is part of the surah's opening (verses 1-5) which introduces the central theme—that despite widespread disagreement about the Hereafter, it is an absolute truth that will inevitably come to pass.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' relates to understanding divine truths including the Day of Judgment. Additionally, Surah Al-Hajj 22:8 contains a related hadith context about those who dispute concerning Allah despite knowledge coming to them.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite widespread human disagreement and skepticism about the afterlife and divine realities, believers should have unwavering certainty in Allah's promises, as divergence of opinion among people does not negate absolute divine truths. This teaches us to seek knowledge from authentic sources and remain steadfast in faith regardless of societal skepticism.
Related Ayahs
وَلَمْ أَدْرِ مَا حِسَابِيَهْ
And had not known what is my account.
وَأُمِّهِۦ وَأَبِيهِ
And his mother and his father
يَوْمَ يَأْتِ لَا تَكَلَّمُ نَفْسٌ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ فَمِنْهُمْ شَقِىٌّ وَسَعِيدٌ
The Day it comes no soul will speak except by His permission. And among them will be the wretched and the prosperous.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْحَامِ ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌۢ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۢ
Indeed, Allāh [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware.