وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ۙ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَـٰرَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ 50
Translations
And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.
Transliteration
Wa-law tarā idhā yatawaffā alladhīna kafarū al-malāʾikatu yaḍribūna wujūhahum wa-adbārahum wa-dhūqū ʿadhāba al-ḥarīq
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah vividly depicts the moment when angels seize the souls of disbelievers at death, striking their faces and backs while commanding them to taste the punishment of the Fire. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this describes the humiliation and torment the disbelievers experience at the moment of death, as a prelude to their eternal punishment in Hell. The ayah emphasizes both the physical aspect of their punishment and the shame they endure as they are forcefully taken by the angels.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anfal (revealed in Medina), which discusses the Battle of Badr and its lessons. It appears within a passage (8:50-52) that contrasts the fate of believers and disbelievers, serving to warn the disbelievers of Quraysh and strengthen the resolve of the Muslim community during early Medinan struggles.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned in various hadiths the severity of death for disbelievers. Muslim reported that the Prophet described how the angels of death come to the disbeliever with a black cloth, emphasizing the difficulty and humiliation of their departure from this life.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder that rejection of faith carries severe consequences not only in the afterlife but even at the moment of death itself, encouraging believers to steadfast in faith and warning against arrogance and disbelief. It underscores the importance of preparing for death through righteous deeds and sincere belief in Allah.