قُلْ يَوْمَ ٱلْفَتْحِ لَا يَنفَعُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِيمَـٰنُهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ 29
Translations
Say, [O Muḥammad], "On the Day of Conquest the belief of those who had disbelieved will not benefit them, nor will they be reprieved."
Transliteration
Qul yawma al-fath la yanfa'u alladhina kafaroo imanuhum wa la hum yunzaroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
On the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Fath, the Day of Decision/Opening), the disbelievers' faith will not benefit them, nor will they be given any respite or delay in punishment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'al-fath' as referring to the Day of Resurrection when all truths are revealed and the separation between believers and disbelievers becomes absolute. This ayah emphasizes that deferred belief and last-minute repentance will have no value once the divine decree is executed.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah As-Sajdah, which is a Meccan chapter addressing the reality of the Hereafter and divine judgment. It serves as a warning to those who delayed acceptance of Islam during the Prophet's lifetime, contextualizing the Quranic theme that belief must come before the appointed term ends.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When the soul reaches the collarbone (at death), it is too late to repent' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant is the hadith about the gates of repentance closing on Judgment Day (various sources).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that repentance must be sincere and timely in this world, as opportunities for redemption are not endless. For modern Muslims, it reinforces the urgency of sincere faith and righteous action before death, encouraging us not to postpone spiritual commitment.