وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا ثُمَّ لَا يُؤْذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ 84
Translations
And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect from every nation a witness [i.e., their prophet]. Then it will not be permitted to the disbelievers [to apologize or make excuses], nor will they be asked to appease [Allāh].
Transliteration
Wa-yawma nab'athu min kulli ummatin shahīdan thumma lā yu'dhanu lilladhīna kafarū wa-lā hum yusta'tabūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when Allah will raise from every nation a witness (shahīd) to testify against or for its people regarding their deeds. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret the shahīd as the Prophet of that nation or righteous scholars who witnessed the people's actions. The verse emphasizes that the disbelievers will be denied any excuse, intercession, or opportunity for repentance (isti'tab) on that day, as their denial and rejection during their lifetime has sealed their fate.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan period (Surah An-Nahl), addressing the certainty of the Day of Judgment and divine justice. It forms part of the surah's broader theme of signs of Allah's creation and the accountability of all nations. The context follows discussions of prophetic missions and warnings sent to various peoples throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Every prophet will be a witness for his nation, and you will be a witness for your nation' (Sahih Muslim 1948). Also relevant: 'On the Day of Judgment, the Prophets will intercede, then the angels, then the believers' (Sunan Ibn Majah 194), illustrating the hierarchy of testimony and intercession.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that every action and rejection is witnessed and recorded, and that the Day of Judgment will be one of perfect justice with no opportunity for excuses or false claims. It should motivate conscious living, sincere belief, and obedience to divine guidance while the opportunity exists in this world.