وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَـٰذَا ٱلْوَعْدُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ 48
Translations
And they say, "When is this promise, if you should be truthful?"
Transliteration
Wa yaqooloon mata hadha al-wa'du in kuntum sadiqeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers mockingly challenge the Prophet (ﷺ) and believers, demanding to know when the promised Day of Judgment will occur, insinuating that if they truly speak the truth, the punishment should come immediately. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects the arrogance and stubbornness of the Quraysh who rejected the message of resurrection and divine accountability. The ayah exposes their rhetorical taunt as a manifestation of their denial and refusal to accept the unseen realities of the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Ya-Sin, which addresses the polytheists' rejection of the Quran and mockery of the concept of resurrection. The broader context of verses 36:47-50 shows the disbelievers' persistent questioning and the certainty with which Allah promises the Hour will come upon them suddenly and unexpectedly.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the Day of Judgment: 'The Hour will not be established until there appear before you ten signs' (Sahih Muslim 2901). Additionally, Surah Ya-Sin 36:51 directly follows with Allah's response that the blast will seize them 'while they are disputing,' illustrating the sudden nature of the Hour (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that mockery and demands for proof from those who reject faith are expected and should not shake conviction in Allah's promises. The lesson reminds us that the timing of divine justice rests solely with Allah, and believers should remain patient and steadfast despite the taunts of disbelievers, trusting in the inevitability of the Day of Judgment.