وَتَأْكُلُونَ ٱلتُّرَاثَ أَكْلًا لَّمًّا 19
Translations
And you consume inheritance, devouring [it] altogether,
Transliteration
Wa ta'kuloon al-turath aklun lamma
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of greedily devouring inherited wealth without moderation or proper management. The word 'lamma' (لَمًّا) emphasizes consuming inheritance in a greedy, hasty manner. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this ayah criticizes the unrestrained consumption of ancestral wealth, particularly highlighting how people would squander their inheritance without regard for wisdom or future consequences, contrasting this with the Islamic principle of responsible stewardship of resources.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Fajr, a Meccan surah that addresses the moral failings of pre-Islamic society and the consequences awaiting those who reject divine guidance. The surah's broader context describes various transgressions of the disbelievers, and this particular ayah fits within the theme of societal vices including greed, materialism, and the mistreatment of orphans and the poor.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is when one is in need and still gives' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized proper management of wealth: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari), relating to ethical treatment of inheritance and family wealth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims to approach inherited wealth and all resources with wisdom, restraint, and purpose rather than greed and excess, understanding that wealth is a trust from Allah for which we will be held accountable.