ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ تَخْتَصِمُونَ 31
Translations
Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, before your Lord, will dispute.
Transliteration
Thumma innakum yawma al-qiyamati inda rabbikum takhtatimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Day of Judgment when all people will stand before Allah and dispute with one another about their deeds and beliefs in this world. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that 'takhtatimun' (you will dispute/contend) refers to the arguments and debates that will occur between believers and disbelievers, and among people regarding their respective claims and actions. The ayah emphasizes that despite all worldly disputes and disagreements, the ultimate resolution of all matters belongs to Allah alone on the Day of Resurrection.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zumar, a Meccan surah that addresses the themes of resurrection, divine judgment, and the futility of polytheism. It comes within a passage warning the disbelievers about the certainty of the Day of Judgment and serves to remind the audience that all their earthly quarrels and disputes will be settled by Allah's perfect justice on the Day of Standing.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most truthful word spoken by any poet is the statement of Labid: 'Verily, everything besides Allah is vain' (Sahih Bukhari 3838). This relates thematically to the ayah's emphasis on the reality of the final judgment and the insignificance of worldly disputes. Additionally, the hadith in Surah At-Tariq 86:9 and related traditions emphasize that Allah knows the Day of Judgment better than any creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that all earthly disputes, whether personal, ideological, or theological, are temporary and will ultimately be resolved by Allah's infinite wisdom and perfect justice. The surest preparation for that Day is sincere faith, righteous deeds, and reconciliation with others in this life.