فَيَقُولُوا۟ هَلْ نَحْنُ مُنظَرُونَ 203
Translations
And they will say, "May we be reprieved?"
Transliteration
Fa-yaqūlūna hal naḥnu munẓarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment asking, 'Will we be given respite?' or 'Will we be granted delay?', seeking to postpone their punishment. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects their desperate plea for another chance, but their request will be rejected as the Hour of accountability has arrived. The question demonstrates their regret and recognition of their fate, yet their plea comes too late in the sequence of divine justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which is a Meccan surah focused on warning the disbelievers about the consequences of rejecting the prophets. The ayah is part of a broader passage (26:196-227) describing the scene of the Last Day when sinners will face the consequences of their rejection. It follows the theme of previous ayahs warning about the inevitable arrival of the Hour.
Related Hadiths
The concept is supported by Hadith Qudsi: 'On the Day of Judgment, those who disbelieved will wish to be dust (rather than face punishment)' - referenced in Surah An-Naba 78:40. Additionally, Sahih Muslim contains hadiths about the regret of disbelievers on the Day of Judgment when respite is no longer possible.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that the opportunity for repentance and turning to Allah is limited to this worldly life; once the Hour arrives, no respite or second chance will be granted. Believers should therefore not delay in sincere repentance and obedience, recognizing that death or the Day of Judgment may come unexpectedly.