Answer
Why Does the Quran Sometimes Omit the People’s Response?
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
The Quran sometimes omits verbal responses to emphasize actions over words, as seen in Surat Yasin 36:45–46. Classical scholars explain that silence here reflects mockery, arrogance, and spiritual hardness rather than reasoned denial. The verse teaches that rejection of truth often stems from closed hearts, not lack of evidence.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Context of Surat Yasin 36:45–46
Let me first provide the entire text of the verse you are referring to:
{And when it is said to them, ‘Fear what is before you and what is behind you, that you may receive mercy.’ But when a sign from their Lord comes to them, they turn away and mock.} (Yasin 36:4546)
You asked why the Quran describes the attitude of the disbelievers rather than quoting their words, as it does in many other instances.
Let’s explore how the expert Quran exegists have interpreted this verse:
Ibn Kathir on Silence as Arrogance
This verse illustrates the Prophets’ repeated calls to fear Allah and reflect on the consequences of their actions, both past and future.
Their silence signifies contempt; instead of engaging in reasoned discourse, they mock, revealing their arrogance.
Ar-Razi on Hardened Hearts and Mockery
In most verses, people respond with arguments or verbal denials. Here, however, their reaction is not a reasoned reply but rather ridicule, indicating that their hearts have become too hardened for meaningful dialogue.
Al-Qurtubi on Behavior Over Speech
The Quran emphasizes behavior, not speech—their mockery and refusal to engage are the most potent forms of rejection.
By not quoting their words, the Quran shifts the focus from argument to attitude.
The issue lies not in logic but in pride and spiritual deafness. Their mockery conveys more than any words could express.
The rejection of truth often arises not from a lack of evidence but from a closed heart.
This verse calls us to respond to divine reminders with humility, not ridicule.
{Only those who hear will respond. But the dead—Allah will resurrect them.} (Al-An`am 6:36)
May Allah make us among those who listen with sincerity and respond with faith.
More on Surat Yasin:
- Does Reading Surat Yaseen Benefit the Dead?
- 6 Powerful Lessons from Surah Yaseen: A Journey of Reflection
- Confused About Surah Yasin, verse 40
- Extremely Powerful Surah! YaSeen
- Surah Ya Seen – Beautiful!
Almighty Allah knows best.