وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا يَوْمُ ٱلدِّينِ 17
Translations
And what can make you know what is the Day of Recompense?
Transliteration
Wa mā adrāka mā yawmu al-dīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is a rhetorical question emphasizing the incomprehensibility and magnitude of the Day of Judgment, inviting reflection on its awesome nature. The phrase 'wa mā adrāka' (and what will make you know) is used throughout the Qur'an to introduce descriptions of matters beyond human comprehension, highlighting that no one truly understands the reality of the Day of Judgment except Allah. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this serves to awaken hearts and prepare believers for accountability, as the complete reality of that Day surpasses human understanding.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears at the conclusion of Surah Al-Infitar, a Meccan surah focused on the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the recording angels who document human deeds. The surah's theme of divine oversight and ultimate accountability provides the backdrop for this profound question about the Day of Judgment's incomprehensible nature.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The Day of Judgment will not be established until... [various signs]' (Sahih Muslim 2907). Additionally, Jābir ibn 'Abdillāh reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger and establishes prayer and pays the Zakat, Allah will cause him to enter Paradise' - emphasizing preparation for the Day of Judgment through righteous deeds (Sahih Bukhari 1).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to cultivate awe and consciousness of Allah's judgment, recognizing the limits of human knowledge and the importance of living righteously in preparation for a reality beyond our comprehension. Regular contemplation of the Day of Judgment serves as a powerful spiritual anchor against heedlessness and worldly preoccupation.