Surah Al-Qiyamah — Verse 6

Word Meanings:

• Ayyāna (أَيَّانَ): When? — a question word used to ask about time, often implying doubt or disbelief.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse describes the attitude of the disbelieving human being who, instead of accepting the reality of the Hereafter, mockingly asks: "When will the Day of Resurrection be?" This question is not asked out of genuine curiosity or a desire for truth, but rather out of denial, ridicule, and a stubborn refusal to believe. The disbeliever thinks that because the Day of Judgment seems far away or impossible to him, he can continue living in sin and transgression without any accountability. He challenges the very idea of resurrection, as if daring it to come, while deep down he knows that his deeds are not fit for that Day.

The verse comes as a response to the previous one, where Allah says that man wishes to continue in his wickedness ahead of him. So this question is a natural outcome of that attitude — a person who loves sin and rejects accountability will inevitably mock the idea of a reckoning. Yet, the Quran immediately reminds us in the following verses that this Day will certainly come, and that nothing will escape Allah's knowledge and power.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, reflect on this: the disbeliever asks "When?" because he does not want to prepare. But the believer asks "How?" — how can I be among those who will be honored on that Day? The Day of Resurrection is not a distant myth; it is as certain as the sunrise after the night. Every breath you take brings you closer to it. Do not be like the one who mocks what he cannot see, for the unseen is more real than what he sees with his eyes. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The smart person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death." So let this question of the disbeliever be a reminder for you to ask yourself: "Am I ready for that Day?" Prepare now, before the Day comes when no preparation will avail, and no question will be answered except with the record of your deeds. May Allah make us among those who take heed.