ذَٰلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَأَنَّ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ 14
Translations
"That [is yours], so taste it." And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.
Transliteration
Dhaalikum fa-dhooquh wa-anna lil-kaafireena adhaaba an-naar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the discussion of the Battle of Badr, where Allah addresses the disbelievers, commanding them to taste the consequences of their rejection and kufr in this world and the next. The phrase 'taste it' (dhooquh) refers to experiencing the punishment of war in the dunya and ultimately the torment of Hellfire in the akhirah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this serves as both a warning to those who oppose Allah's message and a reminder of the inevitable justice that befalls those who reject the truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period following the Battle of Badr (2 AH), the first major military confrontation between the Muslims and Quraysh disbelievers. The surah documents this battle and its lessons, addressing the disbelievers who fought against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and were defeated, with many killed. The context emphasizes that their rejection of Islamic monotheism led to their earthly defeat and warns of eternal punishment.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2798) where the Prophet described the punishment of the grave is thematically related, as both discuss the consequences of disbelief. Additionally, hadiths regarding the Battle of Badr in Sahih Bukhari (3973) provide historical context for this ayah's revelation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of Allah's message carries both immediate worldly consequences and eternal spiritual punishment, serving as a profound deterrent against turning away from guidance. For Muslims, it reinforces faith in Allah's justice and the assurance that the truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood.