وَلَوْ جَآءَتْهُمْ كُلُّ ءَايَةٍ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ 97
Translations
Even if every sign should come to them, until they see the painful punishment.
Transliteration
Wa-law jaa'at-hum kulla ayatin hatta yaraw al-'adhab al-aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how even if all signs and miracles were presented to the disbelievers, they would not believe until they witness the painful punishment themselves. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as referring to those whose hearts Allah has sealed due to their persistent rejection and arrogance—their disbelief has become so ingrained that only the actual experience of divine punishment could serve as a deterrent. The ayah emphasizes that some people's rejection of truth is not due to lack of evidence but due to spiritual blindness and willful obstinacy.
Revelation Context
This ayah is situated within Surah Yunus, a Meccan chapter addressing the Quraysh's persistent denial despite numerous signs and miracles presented by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The broader context discusses how the polytheists rejected clear evidences and how their punishment is inevitable. The ayah reflects the frustration of the Prophet's mission as his people continued to reject guidance despite numerous proofs.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever Allah wills to guide, He expands his breast to Islam; and whoever He wills to leave astray, He makes his breast tight and constricted, as though he were climbing into the sky.' This relates to the spiritual sealing of hearts mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that intellectual evidence alone cannot compel faith when someone's heart is sealed by persistent rejection and arrogance; it reminds us of the importance of sincerely seeking truth with an open heart while we still have the opportunity, rather than waiting for punishment to enforce belief.