Surah An-Naba — Verse 5

Word Meanings:

• ثُمَّ (Thumma): Here, it denotes emphasis and progression in the warning, not necessarily a sequence in time. It reinforces what follows.
• كَلَّا (Kallā): A strong Arabic particle of rebuke and negation, meaning "No indeed!" or "Absolutely not!" It is used to refute false claims and to issue a stern warning.
• سَيَعْلَمُونَ (Saya'lamūn): "They will surely know" — a future tense promise that the truth will become undeniably clear to them.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse is a powerful reiteration of the warning given just before it. The disbelievers of Makkah denied the Resurrection and the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), claiming that such things were impossible. Allah responds to their arrogance and mockery with a firm rebuke: "No indeed! They will surely know."

The repetition of the warning — first in the previous verse and again here — serves to emphasize the certainty of the outcome. It is not a mere threat; it is an absolute promise from the Creator. They will come to know, beyond any doubt, the consequences of their denial. This knowledge will dawn upon them in stages: first, at the moment of death, when the veil is lifted and they see the reality of the Hereafter; then, in the grave, where they will taste the beginnings of what they mocked; and finally, on the Day of Judgment, when they will witness with their own eyes the truth of every word revealed in the Qur'an. On that Day, they will realize that Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke nothing but the truth, and that the punishment they ridiculed is far more severe than they could ever have imagined.

This verse is a profound reminder for every soul: do not take Allah's warnings lightly. The One who created the heavens and the earth is fully capable of bringing the dead back to life. The Qur'an is not a book of fairy tales; it is the definitive truth. Those who turn away from it will inevitably face the reality they once denied — and on that Day, regret will be of no avail.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, let this verse awaken your heart. Allah does not threaten His servants except out of mercy, to guide them back to the path of success before it is too late. The knowledge that the disbelievers will gain is not a knowledge of benefit, but of regret. You, however, have the opportunity to gain beneficial knowledge now — the knowledge of faith, of the Qur'an, and of your purpose in this life. Embrace the truth today, and you will be among those who are saved from that terrible knowledge on the Day of Judgment. Do not wait until the truth is forced upon you; seek it willingly, and you will find peace in this world and the next.