يَوْمَ تَشْهَدُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَلْسِنَتُهُمْ وَأَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 24
Translations
On a Day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.
Transliteration
Yawma tashhadu 'alayhim alsinatuhum wa-aydeehim wa-arjuluhum bima kanu ya'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when the body parts of disbelievers and evildoers will testify against them regarding their deeds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that Allah will grant speech and testimony to the tongues, hands, and feet—the very instruments used in committing sins—so that no excuse or denial remains possible on that Day. This miraculous testimony serves as ultimate divine justice, ensuring that all wrongdoing is witnessed and acknowledged before the final judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nur (Chapter 24) is a Medinan surah dealing with matters of social conduct, modesty, and justice. This particular ayah appears in the context of discussions about the Day of Judgment and divine accountability. It reinforces the Islamic principle that nothing escapes Allah's knowledge and that all will be held accountable for their actions.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Each soul will know what it has sent forward and kept back' (Quran 82:5). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that on the Day of Judgment, people will wish their deeds were light (minor) in weight, reflecting the gravity of accountability described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that our bodies—our tongues, hands, and feet—are witnesses to our deeds and will testify against us if misused for sin. Living mindfully, directing these faculties toward righteousness, and avoiding transgressions is essential preparation for the inevitable Day of Accountability before Allah.