فَأْتُوا۟ بِـَٔابَآئِنَآ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ 36
Translations
Then bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful."
Transliteration
Fa'too bi-aba'ina in kuntum sadiqeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the challenge of the Meccan polytheists to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), demanding that he bring back their forefathers from the dead if he truly speaks the truth about resurrection and the afterlife. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents the stubborn denial of the disbelievers who rejected the concept of resurrection, using sarcasm and mockery to challenge the Prophet's message. The ayah exposes their arrogance and their demand for an impossible miracle as a pretext to deny the truth they already knew in their hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ad-Dukhan, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the Quran and the resurrection. The broader context (verses 34-36) depicts the Quraysh's mockery and their demand for tangible proof of resurrection through an impossible sign—bringing their deceased ancestors back to life—revealing their closed hearts and stubborn rejection despite the clear signs presented to them.
Related Hadiths
The theme of resurrection being denied is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the disbelievers' denial of the Hour (Judgment Day). Additionally, in Surah Yasin (36:48), a similar mockery is recorded: 'And when it is said to them, "Fear what is before you and what will come after you..." they turn away.' Both reflect the same arrogant rejection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the rejection of truth by those with hardened hearts often manifests as mockery and impossible demands rather than genuine seeking of knowledge. Modern readers should reflect on how dismissing spiritual realities through cynicism or unreasonable demands reflects a deeper spiritual blindness that requires sincere introspection and openness to divine guidance.
Related Ayahs
إِن كَانَتْ إِلَّا صَيْحَةً وَٰحِدَةً فَإِذَا هُمْ جَمِيعٌ لَّدَيْنَا مُحْضَرُونَ
It will not be but one blast, and at once they are all brought present before Us.
۞ أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ مَا فِى ٱلْقُبُورِ
But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered
يُخْرِجُ ٱلْحَىَّ مِنَ ٱلْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتَ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ وَيُحْىِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ تُخْرَجُونَ
He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.
۞ قُلْ كُونُوا۟ حِجَارَةً أَوْ حَدِيدًا
Say, "Be you stones or iron