وَمَا نُؤَخِّرُهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِأَجَلٍ مَّعْدُودٍ 104
Translations
And We do not delay it except for a limited term.
Transliteration
Wa mā nu'akhkhiruhu illā li-ajal ma'ddūd
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah does not delay the Day of Judgment except for a specific, predetermined term known only to Him. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that despite the apparent delay from humanity's perspective, the Hour has an appointed time that is fully determined by Allah's wisdom. The verse emphasizes divine sovereignty over time and the inevitability of the Final Day, serving as a response to those who mock the concept of resurrection or question why it has not yet occurred.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Hud's discussion of the Day of Judgment and responses to those who deny it. The broader surah addresses disbelievers' mockery of the prophets' warnings about the Hour, and this verse provides reassurance that despite their ridicule, the appointed time remains fixed and will certainly arrive.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Hour will not be established until... time passes quickly' (Sahih Muslim 2958), indicating the appointed time draws near. Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari 4735, the Prophet emphasized the certainty of the Hour's arrival, though its exact time remains unknown to creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that believers should maintain certainty in Allah's promises and not be swayed by disbelievers' ridicule or the apparent delay of divine justice. Understanding that all events unfold according to Allah's precise wisdom should encourage patience, steadfastness in faith, and continued obedience regardless of worldly circumstances.
Related Ayahs
إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ رَبُّكَ ۚ وَلِذَٰلِكَ خَلَقَهُمْ ۗ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَةُ رَبِّكَ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, "I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together."
وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ طَرَفَىِ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّٰكِرِينَ
And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُنَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ بِٱلْبُشْرَىٰ قَالُوا۟ سَلَـٰمًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَـٰمٌ ۖ فَمَا لَبِثَ أَن جَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ حَنِيذٍ
And certainly did Our messengers [i.e., angels] come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf.
وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى رَحِيمٌ وَدُودٌ
And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Affectionate."