فَلَوْلَآ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا۟ وَلَـٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 43
Translations
Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing.
Transliteration
Falawlā idhā jāʾahum baʾsunā taḍarraʿū wa-lākin qasat qulūbuhum wa-zayyana lahum al-shayṭānu mā kānū yaʿmalūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah laments how the disbelievers, when afflicted with Allah's punishment, did not humble themselves in repentance; instead, their hearts became hardened and Satan beautified their evil deeds to them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that hardness of the heart (qaswat al-qalb) is a consequence of persistent rejection and disobedience, which then leads to further spiritual blindness where evil appears good to the transgressor.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-An'am's broader discussion of the Meccan disbelievers' responses to the signs and warnings sent by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The surah illustrates how despite clear evidence and divine punishment, the polytheists remained unmoved in their kufr, with their hearts sealed against guidance.
Related Hadiths
The concept of hardened hearts is referenced in the hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: 'Verily, when the servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents and ceases, it is polished away; but if he continues, the blackness increases until it covers his whole heart.' This illustrates the progressive hardening of hearts through persistent disobedience.
Themes
Key Lesson
When we persist in sin and reject divine guidance, our hearts gradually become hardened, making it increasingly difficult to recognize and turn from wrongdoing. This ayah reminds us that sincere repentance and humility before Allah when faced with difficulties is essential to maintaining a responsive, living heart.