۞ قُلْ كُونُوا۟ حِجَارَةً أَوْ حَدِيدًا 50
Translations
Say, "Be you stones or iron
Transliteration
Qul kūnū hijārah aw hadīdā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet to tell the disbelievers that even if they were to become stone or iron, they would still be resurrected and brought before Allah for judgment. This ayah emphasizes the absolute power of Allah's resurrection and refutes the disbelievers' denial of the afterlife by presenting an extreme hypothetical—that no material transformation could prevent resurrection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a rhetorical challenge to those who claimed resurrection was impossible, asserting that Allah's power transcends all physical limitations.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Isra's broader theme of resurrection and the Day of Judgment, which the Meccan disbelievers vehemently rejected. The surah addresses their mockery and denial of life after death, with this particular ayah serving as a powerful rebuttal to their claims that resurrection is inconceivable.
Related Hadiths
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The Hour will not be established until...' (Sahih Bukhari 3176) - relates to certainty of resurrection. Also relevant: 'There is no created thing between the hands of Allah that does not know of his Lordship' (Ibn Majah) - emphasizes divine omniscience over all creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no material barrier or transformation can escape Allah's will or prevent accountability on the Day of Judgment, encouraging steadfastness in faith while warning against arrogance or denial of divine power. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that worldly concerns and material attachments are insignificant compared to eternal consequences.