Surah An-Nahl 16:84
سُورَةُ النَّحۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 84 of 128
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍۢ شَهِيدًۭا ثُمَّ لَا يُؤْذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ
Translation
The day will come when We raise up a witness from every community, when the disbelievers will not be allowed to make excuses or amends.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens by drawing our attention to a momentous day. Allah is speaking directly, warning those who disbelieve about the Day of Resurrection, conveying a stark reality for them.
The Day and the Witness
The verse begins, `وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍۢ شَهِيدًۭا` (And the Day We raise from every nation a witness). The very word `يَوْمَ` (Day) being placed upfront, related to an unspoken action like "remember" or "be mindful," immediately elevates its significance. As Ibn Ashur notes, leaving the verb implied enhances the "hyperbole and magnification," making you ponder the sheer weight and horror of that Day. The `شَهِيدًۭا` (witness) is understood by scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi to be the Prophet sent to each nation, testifying for those who believed and against those who disbelieved. This paints a picture of ultimate accountability, where our own Prophets will stand as truthful witnesses.
No Permission to Speak
Following this, the verse says, `ثُمَّ لَا يُؤْذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟` (Then no permission will be given to those who disbelieved). The conjunction `ثُمَّ` (then) is not merely about a time sequence; Ibn Ashur explains it signifies a "ranking delay," meaning what comes next is even more severe than the appearance of the witnesses. Al-Zamakhshari concurs, stating that it indicates something "more grievous" will befall them. The phrase `لَا يُؤْذَنُ` is in the passive voice, conveying an absolute denial of permission, with the authority residing solely with Allah. Scholars explain this as a denial of excuses, a complete silencing. They won't be allowed to defend themselves or offer any justification for their disbelief, highlighting their utter helplessness.
No Chance for Appeasement
The final part, `وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ` (nor will they be asked to appease), further intensifies the gravity. `الاستعتاب` (ist'itab) means seeking reconciliation or trying to gain favor after having caused displeasure. Here, `يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ` (yust'taboon) is again in the passive voice, meaning they will not even be given the chance to *seek* reconciliation. This goes beyond merely not being allowed to make excuses; it signifies a complete and final closure to any possibility of repentance, amends, or a return to Allah's pleasure. Ibn Ashur beautifully describes this as a "special emphasis" to show that there is no hope for them to regain favor, and no one will even suggest they try. The time for that has definitively passed.
The intricate wording of this verse, from the weighty `يَوْمَ` to the emphatic `ثُمَّ`, and the stark finality conveyed by the passive voice in `لا يُؤْذَنُ` and `لا يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ`, paints a vivid and sobering picture of the ultimate judgment for those who rejected faith.
Source: al-Zamakhshari, Ibn Ashur, al-Razi, al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nahl 16:84 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nahl 16:84 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.