ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَبِمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا بِهِۦ رُسُلَنَا ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ 70
Translations
Those who deny the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and that with which We sent Our messengers - they are going to know,
Transliteration
Alladhina kadhdhabo bil-kitabi wa bima arsalna bihi rusulana fa-sawfa ya'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who rejected the Qur'an and the Message brought by Allah's messengers, and warns them of a severe punishment to come. The phrase 'fa-sawfa ya'lamun' (soon they will know) emphasizes the inevitable reckoning and consequences they will face. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this as a warning directed at the disbelievers of Mecca who stubbornly rejected both the Qur'an and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), assuring that their knowledge of the truth will come when it is too late to benefit them.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ghafir (40), a Meccan surah revealed during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's message. The broader context addresses those who persistently denied the divine revelations and the messengers sent by Allah, with the surah emphasizing both Allah's mercy for believers and His severe punishment for deniers. This specific verse fits within the pattern of Meccan surahs that warn of accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Hadith Qudsi in Sahih Muslim where Allah states the consequences of rejecting His signs. Additionally, the Hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Tafsir) regarding those who will regret their disbelief when they see the punishment resonates with this ayah's warning.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that rejection of divine truth inevitably leads to regret and punishment, while it should instill in us gratitude for accepting guidance and vigilance against arrogance. It reminds us that true knowledge and understanding of reality will become manifest to all on the Day of Judgment, when denial becomes impossible and repentance is no longer accepted.