حَتَّىٰٓ أَتَىٰنَا ٱلْيَقِينُ 47
Translations
Until there came to us the certainty [i.e., death]."
Transliteration
Hattaa atana al-yaqeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah translates as 'until death came to us' (with al-yaqeen meaning certainty, referring to the certainty of death). The verse comes in the context of the disbelievers' excuses on the Day of Judgment, where they claim they would have believed if they had been given respite or sent a messenger. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this represents the ultimate regret of the deniers—they persisted in disbelief until death overtook them, at which point belief became impossible. The ayah emphasizes that the opportunity for belief is limited to one's lifetime in the dunya (worldly life).
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir is a Meccan surah revealed early in the Prophet Muhammad's mission. This particular ayah (74:47) appears within a passage (74:42-56) depicting scenes from the Day of Judgment where the inhabitants of Hell express their regrets and excuses. The thematic context emphasizes the consequence of rejecting faith during one's lifetime and the finality of death as the point beyond which repentance is no longer accepted.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the soul reaches the collarbone (at the point of death), at that time it is not accepted.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 959). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim states that repentance is accepted until the sun rises from the west, emphasizing the limited window for returning to Allah before death.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that death is certain and inescapable, and that the opportunity to seek forgiveness and turn to Allah is limited to our lifetime in this world. It serves as a powerful motivation to strengthen one's faith and repentance while alive, rather than delaying spiritual commitment until circumstances force it upon us.