فَلَمَّا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمُ ٱلرِّجْزَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ هُم بَـٰلِغُوهُ إِذَا هُمْ يَنكُثُونَ 135
Translations
But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were to reach, then at once they broke their word.
Transliteration
Falamma kashafna 'anhumu ar-rijza ila ajalin hum balighuh idha hum yankuthun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how when Allah removed the plague (rijz) from the Egyptians after Pharaoh's people promised to believe if the punishment was lifted, they immediately broke their covenant and returned to disbelief. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this illustrates the hypocrisy and ingratitude of those whose faith is conditional upon worldly relief rather than genuine conviction, demonstrating how some people abandon their promises to Allah the moment adversity ends.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative account of the plagues sent upon Egypt during the time of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh. It follows the sequence where each plague prompted Pharaoh and his people to promise faith, yet they consistently violated these oaths once the punishment was removed, revealing the superficiality of their repentance. This is a Meccan surah recounting historical lessons for the believers.
Related Hadiths
The concept of breaking covenants is referenced in Surah At-Tawbah 9:75-76, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) described how some who take oaths before Allah forget them when given wealth. Additionally, Sahih Muslim contains hadith about the gravity of breaking oaths and covenants with Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that genuine faith must be rooted in sincere devotion to Allah rather than motivated by fear of punishment or desire for worldly gain; true commitment to Allah's guidance should remain constant whether in ease or hardship, and breaking oaths made to the Almighty carries serious spiritual consequences.