وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ يُبْلِسُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ 12
Translations
And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will be in despair.
Transliteration
Wa-yawma taqoomu as-saa'atu yublisu al-mujrimoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
On the Day of Judgment when the Hour is established, the criminals will be in utter despair and loss of all hope. Ibn Kathir explains that 'yublisu' (يُبْلِسُ) means they will lose all hope in mercy and salvation, experiencing complete hopelessness and regret for their evil deeds. Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi note this describes the psychological state of the guilty when facing divine justice with no escape or excuse remaining.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rum, a Meccan chapter that addresses the polytheists of Mecca, warning them of the certainty of the Day of Judgment. The broader context emphasizes the reality and imminence of the Hour, serving as a deterrent against transgression and idolatry during the early Islamic period.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Hour will not be established until... [various signs occur]' (Sahih Bukhari 7121). Additionally, in Surah At-Taha 20:124-126, there is a related hadith about the state of criminals on the Day of Judgment in terms of despair and blindness from their sins.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that all wrongdoing will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment, when no excuse or hope of escape will remain for the transggressors. It serves as a powerful motivation to repent, reform one's character, and maintain consciousness of Allah's justice in this life before it is too late.