فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ أَن تَأْتِيَهُم بَغْتَةً ۖ فَقَدْ جَآءَ أَشْرَاطُهَا ۚ فَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمْ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ذِكْرَىٰهُمْ 18
Translations
Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then how [i.e., what good] to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance?
Transliteration
Fahal yanẓurūn illā as-sāʿah an taʾtiyahum baghtah, faqad jāʾa ashrāṭuhā, faʾannā lahum idhā jāʾathum dhikrāhum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns that the disbelievers await only the Hour (Day of Judgment) to come upon them suddenly, yet its signs have already appeared. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the signs (ashrat) refer to the clear proofs and warnings that precede the Hour, including the Prophet Muhammad himself. The rhetorical question 'How will their remembrance (or reminder) benefit them when it comes?' emphasizes that once the Hour arrives, it will be too late for them to benefit from warnings and reminders, as the time for repentance will have passed.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs in the Medinan Surah Muhammad, which addresses the believers and warns against the arrogance of disbelievers. The surah was revealed in Medina and deals with themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of rejection. This particular ayah fits within the surah's broader context of warning those who turn away from the message of Islam about the inevitability of the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour will not be established until there appear...signs,' referencing the portents before the Day of Judgment (Sahih Muslim 2902). Additionally, 'Whoever is reminded by these ayat and still turns away is among the most heedless' relates to the theme of those who reject despite clear signs (thematic reference in various tafsir collections).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that excuses and denials will not avail on the Day of Judgment; we must heed the signs and reminders given to us in this life. The lesson for modern readers is to take seriously the warnings in the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet, for the opportunity to repent and reform oneself is limited to this earthly life.