بَلْ تَأْتِيهِم بَغْتَةً فَتَبْهَتُهُمْ فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ رَدَّهَا وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ 40
Translations
Rather, it will come to them unexpectedly and bewilder them, and they will not be able to repel it, nor will they be reprieved.
Transliteration
Bal ta'tiihim baghtatan fatabhutuhum fala yastatee'una raddeha wa la hum yunzarun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the sudden arrival of the Hour (Day of Judgment) catching the disbelievers unaware and overwhelming them with shock and confusion. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that 'baghtatan' (suddenly/unexpectedly) underscores the certainty and unavoidability of the Day of Judgment, which will come when people least expect it, leaving them unable to repel or delay it. The ayah serves as a powerful warning to those who remain heedless of Allah's signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Al-Anbiya, which was revealed during the early Meccan period when the Prophet faced intense rejection from the Quraysh. The context addresses the disbelievers' mockery and denial of the resurrection and the Day of Judgment, emphasizing that despite their arrogance and rejection, Allah's promise is certain and will overtake them unexpectedly.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour will come when people are engaged in their daily activities and worldly pursuits' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet emphasized that no soul knows when the Hour will come, reinforcing the theme of sudden arrival.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers to remain spiritually vigilant and prepared for the Day of Judgment at all times, knowing it may come unexpectedly, and serves as a sobering reminder that rejection of divine guidance leads to inevitable consequences from which there is no escape or delay.