Al-Wāqiʿah – Verse 2

لَيسَ لِوَقعَتِها كاذِبَةٌ

There is no denying that it will befall.

EXPOSITION

There are three possible meanings for There is no denying that it will befall: 1. It is an emphasis on the occurrence of the resurrection, much like the verses quoted earlier. In other words, this is a serious and certain news, not a vain speech.[1] 2. It claims that its occurrence is so true and evident that no one can justly deny it. In other words, those who deny the resurrection have no solid argument against it: Indeed you are of different opinions! He is turned away from it who has been turned away [from the truth]. Perish the liars (51:8-10). This meaning implies that the word ‘argument’ is omitted: There is no denying [the argument] that it will befall.[2] 3. When the hour befalls, no one will deny it. In other words, all the denial and controversy that exists among the people concerning the hereafter will fade away when it occurs: What is it about which they question each other?! [Is it] about the great tiding, the one about which they differ? No indeed! They will soon know! Again, no indeed! They will soon know! (78:1-5). It will then become clear to everyone that the resurrection was a true promise: They will say: ‘Woe to us! Who raised us from our place of sleep?’ ‘This is what the All-Beneficent had promised, and the apostles had spoken the truth!’ (36:52).

[1] Qurtubi, 18/195.
[2] Mizan, 19/115.