Surah An-Naba' (The Tidings): (39) That Day is the Truth...

{That Day is the Truth}

The demonstrative pronoun dhālika (that) refers to what has been previously mentioned. Describing the Day as al-Ḥaqq (the Truth) has several interpretations:

1. It is the Day where all Truth is realized and all falsehood is extinguished. Since it is perfect in this regard, it is called the Truth, just as one might say, "So-and-so is entirely good" if he possesses abundant goodness. Furthermore, the phrase {That Day is the Truth} implies that it is the only true Day, and everything besides it is falsehood, because the falsehood in the days of this world outweighs its truth.
2. Truth (al-Ḥaqq) means that which is established and existent. By this meaning, God is called al-Ḥaqq (The True One), meaning He is permanent and cannot cease to exist. The Day of Resurrection is likewise established, thus it is Ḥaqq.
3. That Day is the only day truly deserving of the name "Day." This is because on that Day, hidden intentions (as-sarā'ir) will be tested and inner thoughts (aḍ-ḍamā'ir) will be revealed. As for the days of this world, the states of those who come after are concealed, and their conditions are unknown.

{So whoever wills may take to his Lord a return (Ma'āb).}

This means a place of return or refuge.

The Mu'tazila used this verse as evidence for the doctrine of free will (al-ikhtiyār) and human volition (al-mashī'ah).

However, our companions (the Ash'arites/Sunnis) narrate from Ibn 'Abbas that the intended meaning is: "So whoever God wills good for, He guides him until he takes a return to his Lord."

! 7 < {Indeed, We have warned you of a near punishment—the Day when a person will look at what his hands have put forth, and the disbeliever will say, "Oh, I wish I had been dust!"} > 7 !