Surah Al-Ahqaf — Verse 17

Word Meanings:

• Uffin (أُفٍّ): An expression of disgust, annoyance, and contempt.
• Tasta’eethan (يَسْتَغِيثَانِ): Both parents are crying out for help and seeking Allah’s aid.
• Waylaka (وَيْلَكَ): A phrase meaning "Woe to you" — used here as a stern admonition and plea.
• Asateer (أَسَاطِيرُ): Legends, myths, and false tales written down by earlier peoples.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse paints a vivid picture of a rebellious, arrogant soul who rejects the truth of the Hereafter while standing face-to-face with the most compassionate and sincere callers to faith — his own parents. When his father and mother lovingly invite him to believe in Allah and to affirm the reality of the Resurrection, he responds not with gratitude or reflection, but with contempt: "Uff to you both!" — a word of utter disgust. He then mocks their sincere invitation, asking sarcastically: "Do you promise me that I will be brought forth [from the grave] when countless generations have passed away before me?" He uses the passing of earlier nations as a flimsy excuse, thinking that because he has not personally witnessed anyone being resurrected, it must be impossible.

Meanwhile, his parents — with hearts full of mercy and fear for his eternal fate — do not give up on him. They raise their hands to Allah, seeking His help and guidance for their son, and they plead with him: "Woe to you! Believe! Indeed, the promise of Allah is true — there is no doubt in it." They remind him that Allah’s word is absolute and that the Day of Judgment is a certainty. But instead of softening, he hardens his heart further and dismisses the entire message as "nothing but the legends of the ancients" — tales and fables that earlier people fabricated and wrote down.

This verse is a powerful mirror for every soul. It shows the depth of a parent’s love — a love so strong that even when faced with rejection and harsh words, they continue to pray and strive for their child’s salvation. It also exposes the tragic end of arrogance: the one who rejects the truth not only harms himself but wounds the hearts of those who care for him most.

Dear reader, reflect on your own relationship with your parents and with your Creator. The promise of Allah is true — the grave is not the end, but a gateway to an eternal life. Do not let the whispers of doubt or the distractions of this world make you dismiss what your heart knows to be true. The stories of the ancients are not myths; they are signs and lessons. Open your heart to the truth before the door of repentance closes, and be among those who respond to their parents’ call with love, and to Allah’s call with submission. For indeed, the One who created you from nothing is more than able to bring you back to life — and His promise is the ultimate reality.