وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَءِذَا كُنَّا تُرَٰبًا وَءَابَآؤُنَآ أَئِنَّا لَمُخْرَجُونَ 67
Translations
And those who disbelieve say, "When we have become dust as well as our forefathers, will we indeed be brought out [of the graves]?
Transliteration
Wa qala alladhina kafaroo a-idha kunna tuaaban wa aabaauna a-inna lam ukharrajoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers mockingly question the possibility of resurrection, asking incredulously whether they and their ancestors, once turned to dust, will truly be brought forth again. This rhetorical question expresses their denial of the Day of Judgment and the power of Allah to resurrect creation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this statement reflects the fundamental doubt of the disbelievers regarding the Hereafter, which was a central point of contention between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Meccan polytheists.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Naml, a Meccan surah that addresses the core Islamic beliefs, particularly the Oneness of Allah and belief in the Last Day. The surah is set in the context of dialogues with disbelievers who rejected resurrection and the afterlife. This specific ayah reflects the argument of the Quraysh and other Arabian disbelievers who found the concept of resurrection physically implausible.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best manners and character' (Sahih Bukhari 3331). More directly relevant: Hadith about resurrection - 'Allah will gather you on the Day of Judgment about which there is no doubt' (Sahih Muslim 2940), affirming the certainty of resurrection despite disbelievers' denials.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that doubt about the Hereafter stems from human limitation in comprehending divine power; just as Allah created humanity from dust initially, He is fully capable of bringing them back to life. It serves as a call to firm conviction in Allah's promises and to reflect on the weakness of arguments based solely on material perception.