أَءِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَءِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ 16
Translations
When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?
Transliteration
A-inna mItna wa kUnna turaban wa 'izaman a-inna lam-mab'uthun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the disbelievers' rhetorical question and denial of resurrection, asking incredulously whether they will truly be raised after death and decomposition into dust and bones. The repetition of the interrogative particle 'a' (أ) emphasizes their mockery and amazement at the concept of resurrection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that this represents the fundamental denial of the disbelievers of Quraysh regarding the Day of Judgment, which is a central theme throughout Surah As-Saffat.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the Meccan period context where the Quraysh and other disbelievers constantly mocked the message of resurrection brought by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Surah As-Saffat comprehensively addresses various arguments against the afterlife and divine judgment, making this ayah part of the broader Quranic response to their denials of the hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, in response to similar denials, the Quran emphasizes that 'Indeed, those who disbelieve in the Hereafter - We have made their deeds pleasing to them' (Surah An-Nahl 16:4).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that denying resurrection is a fundamental aspect of disbelief, while affirming faith in the hereafter is essential to Islamic belief. For modern readers, it serves as a humbling reminder that resurrection—though seemingly impossible to human reason—is within Allah's infinite power, and that intellectual arrogance in rejecting divine truths leads to spiritual loss.