Surah Mulk Verse 27 — Ayat 27

Arabic Text

فَلَمَّا رَأَوۡهُ زُلۡفَةࣰ سِیۤءَتۡ وُجُوهُ ٱلَّذِینَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَقِیلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلَّذِی كُنتُم بِهِۦ تَدَّعُونَ

Transliteration

Falaammaa ra-awhu zulfatan seee'at wujoohul lazeena kafaroo wa qeela haazal lazee kuntum bihee tadda'oon

English Translation

But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, "This is that for which you used to call."

English: Saheeh International (Tanzil.net)

Word-by-Word

• فَلَمَّا falammā But when
• رَأَوْهُ ra-awhu they (will) see it
• زُلْفَةًۭ zul'fatan approaching
• سِيٓـَٔتْ sīat (will be) distressed
• وُجُوهُ wujūhu (the) faces
• ٱلَّذِينَ alladhīna (of) those who
• كَفَرُوا۟ kafarū disbelieved
• وَقِيلَ waqīla and it will be said
• هَـٰذَا hādhā This
• ٱلَّذِى alladhī (is) that which
• كُنتُم kuntum you used to
• بِهِۦ bihi for it
• تَدَّعُونَ taddaʿūna call

Word breakdown from Quran.com API (Uthmani text, Saheeh International gloss per word).

Context in Al-Mulk (Ayah 27)

When disbelievers see punishment zulfatan—up close—see'at wujuhuhum faces darken with distress; qeela ha dha alladhi kuntum bihi tadda'oon: this is what you used to call for hastily. Tafsir ironizes their demand for speedy promise.

Zulfah means nearness in sight and experience—no longer theoretical. Darkened faces contrast believers' light in other surahs.

Verse completes arc from mockery (25) through prophetic clarification (26) to grim fulfillment.

Key Arabic Words

• كَفَرُوا۟ disbelieved This word appears in the ayah text; compare how translators render it and read the full ayah on Quran.com before extending the meaning to other passages.
• تَدَّعُونَ call This word appears in the ayah text; compare how translators render it and read the full ayah on Quran.com before extending the meaning to other passages.
• فَلَمَّا But when This word appears in the ayah text; compare how translators render it and read the full ayah on Quran.com before extending the meaning to other passages.
• وُجُوهُ (the) faces This word appears in the ayah text; compare how translators render it and read the full ayah on Quran.com before extending the meaning to other passages.

Classical Tafsir (Verified Summary)

Reflection on Creation

This ayah invites quiet consideration of distressed faces when punishment appears close. Creation around us—sky, earth, birds, and daily provision—does not replace revelation, but it can soften hearts toward obedience when viewed as signs of a wise, merciful origin rather than meaningless accident. Study ayah 27 with the Arabic on this page and Saheeh International English: “But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, This is that for which you used to call.”. In chapter 67’s sequence, this line advances the theme of distressed faces when punishment appears close. Read ayah 26 and ayah 28 on their verse pages so you see how the argument builds—Meccan proofs about creation, accountability, and mercy are layered, not repeated as generic slogans. Study ayah 27 with the Arabic on this page and Saheeh International English: “But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, This is that for which you used to call.”. In chapter 67’s sequence, this line advances the theme of distressed faces when punishment appears close. Read ayah 26 and ayah 28 on their verse pages so you see how the argument builds—Meccan proofs about creation, accountability, and mercy are layered, not repeated as generic slogans. Study ayah 27 with the Arabic on this page and Saheeh International English: “But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, This is that for which you used to call.”. In chapter 67’s sequence, this line advances the theme of distressed faces when punishment appears close. Read ayah 26 and ayah 28 on their verse pages so you see how the argument builds—Meccan proofs about creation, accountability, and mercy are layered, not repeated as generic slogans.

Family & Bedtime Practice

Discuss how “be careful what you wish for” differs from sincere dua for good; keep tone gentle. On a night you study ayah 27, let a child retell the English meaning in one sentence before sleep. On a night you study ayah 27, let a child retell the English meaning in one sentence before sleep.

For virtues and timing with sources, see benefits of Surah Mulk. Read the full chapter on the homepage reader.

Short Tafsir Note

When punishment appears close, faces of disbelievers darken — regret without escape. Believe before that moment.

Read full multi-scholar tafsir →

Key Lessons

• Sudden accountability is possible
• Delay is not denial
• Repent while doors are open

Listen to This Verse

Mishary Rashid Alafasy