كَلَّا ۚ سَيَكْفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضِدًّا 82
Translations
No! They [i.e., those "gods"] will deny their worship of them and will be against them opponents [on the Day of Judgement].
Transliteration
Kallā; sayakfurūna bi-'ibādatihim wa-yakūnūna 'alayhim diddā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refutes the false claims of the polytheists who believed that angels and saints would intercede for them on the Day of Judgment. Allah declares that on the contrary, these beings whom they worshipped will disown them and become their adversaries. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as addressing the idolaters' misplaced hope in their false deities, emphasizing that no intercessor will aid those who associated partners with Allah without His permission.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Maryam, a Meccan chapter that extensively discusses monotheism, prophethood, and the Day of Judgment. It directly responds to the pagan Arabs' practice of worshipping idols, angels, and jinns, hoping these would bring them closer to Allah. The context within Surah 19 emphasizes that worship belongs to Allah alone, and false objects of devotion will testify against their worshippers.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'On the Day of Judgment, those who took intercessors besides Allah will find them powerless.' Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim about how idols and false gods will be cast into Hellfire before their worshippers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true security comes only through exclusive devotion to Allah, as no created being—regardless of status or proximity to the Divine—can save us without Allah's permission. It serves as a powerful reminder to examine the objects of our hope and reliance, ensuring they are placed solely in Allah.