يَوْمَ يَغْشَىٰهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِمْ وَيَقُولُ ذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ 55
Translations
On the Day the punishment will cover them from above them and from below their feet and it is said, "Taste [the result of] what you used to do."
Transliteration
Yawma yaghshāhum al-'adhābu min fawqihim wa min tahti arjulihim wa yaqūlu dhūqū mā kuntum ta'malūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when disbelievers will be overwhelmed by punishment from all directions—above and below them—symbolizing their complete helplessness and inescapable torment. Allah commands them to 'taste' the consequence of their deeds, emphasizing the perfect justice of divine retribution where punishment corresponds exactly to the nature and magnitude of their sins committed in the worldly life.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-'Ankabut, a Meccan surah addressing the mockery and persecution faced by believers in Mecca. The broader passage (29:47-68) warns disbelievers of the inevitable consequences of rejecting the truth and mocking the message, providing reassurance to early Muslims that justice will ultimately prevail on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'On the Day of Resurrection, a person will be brought [before Allah], and He will say, "Did I not give you health? Did I not give you water?" He will say, "Yes, O Lord." Then He will say, "Did you think you would meet Me?" He will say, "No." Then He will say, "I forgot you as you forgot Me."' (Tirmidhi 2411). Also relevant: The comprehensive hadith in Sahih Muslim about how deeds will be presented to people on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that no deed goes unaccounted for before Allah, and believers should be mindful of their actions in this life knowing they will face their consequences. For modern readers, it emphasizes personal accountability and the importance of sincere repentance, urging us to align our actions with divine guidance before facing the ultimate judgment.