قُلْ إِن كَانَتْ لَكُمُ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَالِصَةً مِّن دُونِ ٱلنَّاسِ فَتَمَنَّوُا۟ ٱلْمَوْتَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ 94
Translations
Say, [O Muḥammad], "If the home of the Hereafter with Allāh is for you alone and not the [other] people, then wish for death, if you should be truthful."
Transliteration
Qul in kānat lakumu ad-dāru al-ākhiratu ʿinda Allāhi khālisatan min dūni an-nāsi fatammannawu al-mawta in kuntum sādiqīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to challenge the Children of Israel who claimed exclusive right to Paradise, saying: 'If the Hereafter is exclusively yours with Allah, then wish for death if you are truthful.' This ayah exposes the hypocrisy of their claims, as their fear of death contradicts their alleged certainty of Paradise. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this verse refutes their arrogant belief in exclusive salvation and serves as a logical proof of their insincerity.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Madinah in response to the arrogance of Jewish tribes and some hypocrites who claimed special status with Allah and exclusive entry into Paradise. It appears in the early Medinan period within a broader passage (2:80-123) addressing false claims to divine favor and the necessity of righteous deeds for salvation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari 13). This relates thematically to the refutation of exclusive salvation claims and the principle of universal moral accountability.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is proven through sincere actions and acceptance of reality, not through empty claims or wishful thinking; those who genuinely believe in the afterlife should live accordingly, and no group holds exclusive rights to Allah's mercy—salvation is based on righteous deeds and sincere belief available to all.