إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يَرْجُونَ حِسَابًا 27
Translations
Indeed, they were not expecting an account
Transliteration
Innahum kanu la yarjuna hisaban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the disbelievers' rejection of accountability on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing their denial of the afterlife and divine reckoning. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'they were not expecting any account' reflects the arrogance and heedlessness of those who dismissed divine punishment, living as though they would never face consequences for their deeds. This denial of accountability was among the greatest spiritual diseases of the Meccan polytheists.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naba is a Meccan surah that addresses fundamental Islamic beliefs, particularly the reality of the Day of Judgment and resurrection. This ayah appears within a passage describing the fate of the disbelievers in the afterlife, providing context to why they will be punished—their willful rejection of divine judgment and accountability in this worldly life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Hour will not be established until... people forget the obligation of zakah, and they abandon it.' (Tirmidhi) - thematically related to neglecting accountability. Also relevant: 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari) - emphasizing moral accountability to God and others.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that accountability before Allah is inescapable and certain, serving as motivation to live consciously and righteously in this life. For modern readers, it challenges the secular worldview that denies ultimate justice, urging reflection on one's deeds and sincere repentance before the Day of Reckoning.