قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ 25
Translations
He said, "Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth."
Transliteration
Qala fīhā tahyawna wa fīhā tamūtūna wa minhā tukhrajūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Adam and his descendants, informing them that the earth (dunyā) will be their dwelling place wherein they shall live, die, and from which they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment. Ibn Kathir notes this ayah establishes the cycle of human existence on earth—birth, life, death, and resurrection—emphasizing humanity's temporal existence in this world as a preparation for the eternal life to come. Al-Qurtubi explains that this divine statement serves as a reminder of human mortality and accountability, grounding believers in the reality of their earthly trial and ultimate resurrection.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Adam's descent from Paradise in Surah Al-A'raf. After Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, Allah commanded them to descend to earth as a place of dwelling and trial for them and their descendants. This context emphasizes that life on earth is not permanent but rather a test before the eternal abode in the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), relating to how we conduct ourselves during our earthly life. Additionally, 'Remember frequently the destroyer of pleasures—death' (Tirmidhi 2307) directly connects to the mention of mortality in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to maintain perspective about the temporary nature of earthly life and to invest their efforts in deeds that will benefit them in the eternal afterlife. Remembering that we shall die and be resurrected should motivate righteous conduct and diminish attachment to worldly pursuits.
Related Ayahs
وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِى نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ ٱلْجَهْرِ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْغَـٰفِلِينَ
And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.
أَفَأَمِنُوا۟ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْخَـٰسِرُونَ
Then, did they feel secure from the plan of Allāh? But no one feels secure from the plan of Allāh except the losing people.
وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ عَن مُّوسَى ٱلْغَضَبُ أَخَذَ ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ ۖ وَفِى نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ
And when the anger subsided in Moses, he took up the tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who are fearful of their Lord.
ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ
Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.