Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then how [i.e., what good] to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance?
Verse 18 of Surah Muhammad (47:18), a Medinan surah, is in juz 26, on page 508 of the mushaf. Read it in Arabic with its transliteration, translations and tafsir, and listen to it recited by 74 reciters.
Listen to verse 18 of Surah Muhammad
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Tafsir of verse 18
Al-Mukhtasar
Are the disbelievers waiting for anything but the hour to come on them suddenly without their having any prior knowledge of it? Its signs have already come, such as the mission of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the splitting of the moon. How will they then take heed when the hour comes? It is unlikely that the reminder will be of benefit to them.
Are they but waiting for the Hour to come upon them by surprise? Already [some of] its signs have appeared13. What good will it do them to take heed when it actually befalls them?
Notes
[13] Such as the coming of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the splitting of the moon after the pagans of Makkah challenged the Prophet (ﷺ) which was fulfilled before their eyes, yet they denied that miracle.
Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come; and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder?4
Notes
[4] (V.47:18) See the footnote of (V.6:158).
Await they aught save the Hour, that it should come upon them unawares? And the beginnings thereof have already come. But how, when it hath come upon them, can they take their warning?
Do they then only wait for the Hour,- that it should come on them of a sudden? But already have come some tokens thereof, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their admonition?
Do they then wait for aught but the hour that it should come to them all of a sudden? Now indeed the tokens of it have (already) come, but how shall they have their reminder when it comes on them?
Are they then looking for (anything) except the Hour, that it will come up to them suddenly? Then its portents have already come, so however (will they believe) when their Reminding comes to them?
