Surah Al-Mursalat — Verse 35

Word Meanings:

• Yawm (يَوْمُ): Day; here it refers specifically to the Day of Resurrection.
• Lā Yanṭiqūn (لَا يَنطِقُونَ): They do not speak; meaning they are rendered speechless, unable to utter a single word.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse points to the Day of Judgment, a day of absolute awe and terror. On that day, those who denied the truth—the disbelievers and mockers of Allah’s messages—will be struck dumb. They will not speak a single word, whether to defend themselves, offer excuses, or plead for mercy. Their tongues will be sealed, not because they are physically prevented from speaking, but because the sheer horror of what they witness, and the overwhelming evidence of their guilt, will leave them utterly speechless. No excuse will be accepted from them, and no intercession will be granted, for their deeds have already been recorded and their fate sealed. This silence is not a mercy but a punishment in itself—a sign of their complete helplessness before the Almighty.

This is a profound reminder for us in this worldly life: the tongue is a gift from Allah, and how we use it determines our fate. Those who used their tongues to spread falsehood, mock the truth, or reject Allah’s signs will find their tongues useless on that dreadful day. But those who used their speech to remember Allah, enjoin good, and speak the truth will be granted the honor of speaking and interceding by His permission. Let this verse awaken our hearts: today, we have the chance to speak words of faith, repentance, and kindness. Tomorrow, on that day of silence, it may be too late. Turn to Allah now, and let your tongue be a witness for you, not against you.