ٱلَّذِينَ طَغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَـٰدِ 11
Translations
[All of] whom oppressed within the lands
Transliteration
Alladhina taghaw fi al-bilad
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who transgressed and committed oppression and tyranny in the lands, spreading corruption and injustice among the people. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this specifically alludes to the arrogant rulers and powerful individuals who used their authority to oppress others and disobey Allah's commands. The ayah emphasizes that such transgressors will face severe punishment, as Allah does not tolerate those who exceed bounds in their wrongdoing.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Fajr is a Meccan surah that discusses the fate of past nations and civilizations that rejected Allah's message. This ayah appears within the passage describing the destruction of 'Ad and Thamud, exemplifying how Allah destroyed those communities whose leaders and people engaged in tyranny and moral transgression. The surah uses these historical examples to warn the Quraysh of similar consequences.
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), contrasting righteous conduct with tyranny. Also related: 'Whoever oppresses a non-Muslim under a contract or deprives him of his rights, I will be his adversary on the Day of Judgment' (Abu Dawud 3052).
Themes
Key Lesson
Those who abuse power and transgress against others will inevitably face Allah's justice and punishment, regardless of their worldly strength or status. This serves as a reminder that true power and honor come from obedience to Allah and just treatment of others, not from domination and corruption.