Surah At-Taghabun 64:7
سُورَةُ التَّغَابُنِ · Medinan · Verse 7 of 18
زَعَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا۟ ۚ قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّى لَتُبْعَثُنَّ ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ
Translation
The disbelievers claim they will not be raised from the dead. Say [Prophet], ‘Yes indeed! I swear by my Lord! You will be raised and then you will be informed about everything you have done: an easy matter for God.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens by revealing a profound denial made by those who disbelieved: "زَعَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا۟" (Those who disbelieved claimed that they would never be resurrected). Allah then commands Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to deliver an unequivocal response: "قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّى لَتُبْعَثُنَّ ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ" (Say: Yes, by my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will certainly be informed of what you did. And that is easy for Allah). Let us ponder the specific words chosen by Allah to convey this crucial message.
The Weight of a "Claim"
The verse begins with "زَعَمَ" (za'ama), meaning "they claimed." This word choice is significant. As Imam Ibn Ashur explains, "za'ama" denotes a statement that deviates from reality, often stemming from error, or refers to a strange piece of news that is doubted. Scholar Shurayh famously said, "Every lie has a nickname, and the nickname of a lie is 'they claimed'." By using "za'ama," Allah immediately undermines the disbelievers' assertion, labeling it as unfounded and false, not a genuine belief or reasoned conclusion. Their claim, amplified by the strong negation "لَنْ" (lan), which means "never," reflected their absolute certainty that resurrection was impossible.
An Unshakeable Oath
Allah responds to this denial with an utterly forceful affirmation. The word "بَلَىٰ" (balā), meaning "Yes" or "On the contrary," is specifically used in Arabic to negate a preceding negation. It completely overturns their "never." Following this, Allah instructs the Prophet to swear an oath: "وَرَبِّى" (wa Rabbī), "By my Lord." This oath, as al-Razi highlights, serves as a powerful confirmation from Allah Himself, conveyed through His Messenger. The declaration is further emphasized by the double markers of certainty, the "لَ" (lam) and the "نَّ" (nun) in "لَتُبْعَثُنَّ" (latub'athunna), meaning "you will certainly, certainly be resurrected." This combination of "balā," the oath, and the double emphasis leaves no room for doubt about the reality of resurrection.
The Purpose: Accountability
The verse then adds, "ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ" (thumma latunabba'unna bimā 'amiltum), "then you will certainly be informed of what you did." The word "ثُمَّ" (thumma), meaning "then," here indicates not just a sequence in time, but a progression in importance. Ibn Ashur explains that being informed of one's deeds is more significant than simply being resurrected, because it reveals the very purpose of resurrection: accountability. The double emphasis of "لَ" and "نَّ" appears again, underscoring the absolute certainty of this accounting. Being "informed of what you did" is a delicate way of saying they will be held responsible and recompensed for their actions, good or bad.
Effortless for the Creator
The verse concludes with "وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ" (Wa dhālika 'alā Allāhi yasīr), meaning "And that is easy for Allah." This phrase directly addresses the implicit reason behind the disbelievers' denial: they thought resurrection, especially after bodies decay, was too difficult or impossible. Ibn Ashur points out that Allah chose "yasīr" (easy) instead of merely saying "it will happen," to directly counter their perception of difficulty. What humans find hard, or even inconceivable, is utterly effortless for Allah, the Creator who initiated existence in the first place. Al-Razi further reinforces this, noting that re-creating is inherently "easier in the minds" than initial creation. The precision of these words powerfully refutes disbelief and instills absolute certainty in the believer.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Qur'anic Worlds
This powerful verse opens by revealing a profound denial at the heart of disbelief: "زَعَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا۟" (Those who disbelieved claimed that they would never be resurrected). Allah describes this claim as a mere assumption (زعم) because it lacks any real basis. It’s not just a belief, but a baseless assertion, as Sayyid Qutb highlights, calling it a "false claim" or a "white lie."
The Call to Respond
This verse directly addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), commanding him to confront this denial head-on. He is told to say: "بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّى لَتُبْعَثُنَّ" (Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected). This is a most emphatic response. Ibn Kathir points out that this is one of three instances in the Quran where Allah specifically instructs the Prophet to swear by his Lord to affirm the certainty of the Hereafter. It underscores the absolute, unquestionable truth of resurrection. As al-Razi explains, even if the disbelievers rejected the Prophet’s message, they knew his profound belief in his Lord, making his oath a powerful statement of conviction for them.
A World of Accountability
The verse then clarifies the purpose of this resurrection: "ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ" (then you will surely be informed of what you did). This takes us into a world of ultimate accountability, where every action, big or small, will be laid bare. There will be no escaping the consequences of one’s deeds, for Allah is fully aware of everything, as Sayyid Qutb reminds us. This reality of judgment is a core message across all revelations.
Allah's Effortless Power
Finally, the verse concludes with "وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ" (and that is easy for Allah). For those who disbelieved, the idea of being brought back to life after turning to dust seemed impossible. Yet, as al-Razi notes, re-creating life is logically even easier than creating it in the first place, and for Allah, both are effortless. This phrase reassures us of Allah's limitless power over all of creation, making the resurrection not a distant possibility, but an inevitable reality. This truth has echoed through the ages, a consistent warning to those who deny, and a comfort to those who believe.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Worldly Mirror
Surah At-Taghabun, verse 7, begins by presenting a fundamental challenge to faith, and then offers an absolute, divinely-backed response.
The Baseless Claim
The verse opens, "زَعَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا۟" (Those who disbelieved claimed that they would never be resurrected). The Arabic word "za'ama" (زعَمَ) is significant here. Scholars like Ibn al-Jawzi and Sayyid Qutb highlight that it denotes a claim that is false, baseless, or even a deliberate lie, often when evidence points to the contrary. This isn't an honest doubt but a firm assertion against a clear truth. For societies, a worldview that denies resurrection removes the ultimate accountability for actions, potentially fostering environments where injustice can thrive without fear of a final reckoning. This denial, therefore, isn't merely a private belief; it shapes the character of individuals and the structure of communities.
An Unbreakable Oath
In response to this denial, Allah commands the Prophet, "قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّى لَتُبْعَثُنَّ ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ" (Say, "No, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected, then you will surely be informed of what you did"). This is an exceptionally powerful affirmation. Allah instructs His Prophet to swear by His own Lordship, making the statement an undeniable, emphatic truth. As Dr. Israr Ahmad points out, the strong linguistic emphasis in this expression conveys a certainty that transcends human language. This divine oath not only refutes the disbelievers' claim but also establishes a foundational principle of faith: the Hereafter, which Dr. Israr Ahmad specifically links to "Iman bil Akhirat" (faith in the Hereafter), is an absolute certainty.
The Mirror of Accountability
The verse concludes, "وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ" (And that is easy for Allah). The certainty of resurrection is coupled with the promise of full accountability: "then you will surely be informed of what you did." This serves as a profound mirror for personal and societal reflection. For the individual, it means every action, big or small, will be laid bare. This should foster an inner state of mindfulness, inspiring a life lived with purpose and responsibility, seeking Allah's pleasure. For communities, this principle implies that true justice will ultimately prevail, encouraging individuals to uphold righteousness even when worldly systems fail. The ease with which Allah will accomplish this task (وذلك على الله يسير) underscores His boundless power and knowledge, leaving no room for doubt or escape.
Sources: Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Connections
When approaching Allah's words, our hearts open to receive wisdom and guidance. Surah At-Taghabun, verse 7, invites us to reflect deeply on one of the foundational truths of our existence.
The Claim and the Oath
The verse opens with, "زَعَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا۟" (They who disbelieved claimed that they will never be resurrected). The word "za'ama" (زَعَمَ) is significant here. As scholars like al-Biqa'i and Tantawi point out, it often signifies a claim based on speculation or a false assertion, even if the speaker believes it to be true. It highlights the baseless nature of their denial, despite their conviction.
Allah then instructs the Prophet Muhammad to respond with an emphatic oath: "قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّى لَتُبْعَثُنَّ ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ" (Say: 'Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected, then you will surely be informed of what you did'). The use of "Balā" (بَلَىٰ) serves as a forceful rebuttal, affirming what the disbelievers negated. The addition of "wa Rabbī" (وَرَبِّى), "by my Lord," is a divine oath, underscoring the absolute certainty of resurrection. Scholar al-Shinqiti highlights that this specific oath, affirming resurrection, appears in the Quran three times, signifying its profound importance and undeniable truth. Following this, the verse states they will be "informed of what you did," reminding us that resurrection is not just an awakening, but a reckoning. Al-Shinqiti connects this to other Quranic verses, like Surah Al-Isra 17:13-14, which describe how each person will be presented with their book of deeds, leaving no action unrecorded.
A Natural Progression
This powerful affirmation of resurrection is not isolated; it's a vital thread in the fabric of Surah At-Taghabun. Al-Biqa'i notes that this denial of the afterlife is presented as the greatest cause of the disbelievers' rejection, coming after earlier verses established the necessity of belief in Allah and His messengers.
Furthermore, al-Sabuni and Tantawi explain that this verse follows a detailed exposition of Allah's immense power in creation, how He created the heavens and earth, shaped humanity in the most beautiful form, and has comprehensive knowledge of all things, seen and unseen. Within this context, denying resurrection becomes illogical. If Allah created everything from nothing, and sustains it all, then recreating what once was is certainly within His infinite capability.
Easy for Allah
The verse concludes with "وَذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ" (and that is easy for Allah). This statement directly addresses the disbelievers' perceived impossibility of resurrection. Al-Shinqiti links this concept to other verses, such as Surah Yasin 36:78-79 and Surah Ar-Rum 30:27, which remind us that re-creating something is even easier for Allah than creating it the first time. For the One who originated all existence, bringing it back to life is effortless.
The Surah's Purpose
Ultimately, this verse is a crucial cornerstone for understanding the surah's central theme. At-Taghabun, meaning "Mutual Loss and Gain," refers to the Day of Judgment, when the true reality of actions and beliefs will become apparent. Al-Sabuni explains that this verse directly paves the way for the description of "Yawm al-Taghabun" (the Day of Mutual Loss and Gain) in later verses. Without resurrection, there would be no day for this ultimate reckoning, no justice, no reward or punishment for what was done in this life. Thus, Surah At-Taghabun:7 anchors the entire surah's message, reminding us that life has a profound purpose, leading to an inevitable return and accountability before our Creator.
Sources: al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah At-Taghabun 64:7 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah At-Taghabun 64:7 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.