وَتَرَىٰ كُلَّ أُمَّةٍ جَاثِيَةً ۚ كُلُّ أُمَّةٍ تُدْعَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ كِتَـٰبِهَا ٱلْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ 28
Translations
And you will see every nation kneeling [from fear]. Every nation will be called to its record [and told], "Today you will be recompensed for what you used to do.
Transliteration
Wa-tará kullu ummatin játhiyatan, kullu ummatin tudá ilá kitábihá al-yawma tujzawna má kuntum ta'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the scene on the Day of Judgment where every nation will be brought before Allah in a state of kneeling or crouching (játhiyah), and each community will be called to their record of deeds to receive their recompense. Ibn Kathir explains that this humbling posture reflects the awe and submission before Allah's justice, while Al-Qurtubi notes that each nation will witness the consequences of their actions, as Allah says they will be rewarded or punished according to what they earned in this world.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Jathiyah, a Meccan surah that emphasizes belief in the resurrection, the afterlife, and divine justice. It comes near the end of the surah as part of a vivid description of the Day of Judgment, reinforcing the Quranic theme of accountability before Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'On the Day of Resurrection, the sun will be brought close to the creation until it is about a mile away, and the people will be submerged in sweat according to their deeds' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim about the trumpet being blown and all creation falling in prostration before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that every action we perform in this life is recorded and will be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgment, encouraging believers to be conscious of their deeds and intentions. It conveys the certainty of accountability and should inspire us to live righteously, knowing that no deed—good or evil—goes unnoticed by the All-Knowing.