وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ 182
Translations
But those who deny Our signs - We will progressively lead them [to destruction] from where they do not know.
Transliteration
Wa alladhina kadhdhabo bi-ayatina sanastadrijuhum min haythu la ya'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's response to those who reject His signs: He will gradually lead them toward destruction through their own desires and worldly pursuits, without their awareness. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'istidraj' (gradual advancement) refers to giving them more wealth, status, and apparent success, which actually increases them in error and heedlessness. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this is a form of divine punishment—their very comfort and prosperity become a means of their spiritual ruin, as they become more arrogant and distant from guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-A'raf's broader theme of warning against rejecting divine signs and the fate of disbelievers throughout history. It follows discussions of nations that rejected their messengers and precedes further examples of those who turned away from Allah's guidance. The surah's Meccan context addresses the Quraysh's rejection of the Prophet Muhammad's message.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (2889): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'When Allah intends good for a slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and when He intends evil for a slave, He withholds his punishment for his sins until he meets Allah on the Day of Judgment.' This illustrates the concept of divine justice in granting respite or accelerating consequences.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder that material success and comfort without spiritual awareness can be a form of divine trial rather than blessing, encouraging believers to seek guidance and remain humble regardless of worldly circumstances.