وَقَدِمْنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُوا۟ مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً مَّنثُورًا 23
Translations
And We will approach [i.e., regard] what they have done of deeds and make them as dust dispersed.
Transliteration
Wa qadimna ilā mā amilū min amalin fajaalnaahu hubāan manthūrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the deeds of the disbelievers and polytheists on the Day of Judgment, whose works will be rendered completely void and scattered like dispersed dust particles. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that all the good deeds and efforts of those who rejected Allah's message will be nullified in the Hereafter, as their deeds were not performed with sincere faith in Allah. The metaphor of 'scattered dust' emphasizes the utter worthlessness and complete annihilation of their efforts.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers of Mecca and clarifies fundamental Islamic concepts. The broader context discusses the state of the disbelievers in the Hereafter and how their worldly accomplishments and deeds will hold no value without the foundation of sincere faith (īmān) in Allah and His Messenger.
Related Hadiths
Related to the theme of deeds without sincere intention: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Deeds are judged by intentions, and each person will have [the reward of] only what they intended' (Sahih Bukhari 1). Also relevant: 'Whoever does a deed for other than Allah's sake, Allah will make his deed known [as insincere]' (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder that all our endeavors and accomplishments in this life are only meaningful and lasting if rooted in sincere faith in Allah and obedience to His commandments. For modern believers, it emphasizes the importance of examining our intentions and ensuring our deeds are performed solely for Allah's pleasure, not for worldly recognition or personal gain.
Related Ayahs
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا
And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind.
وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱلْحَىِّ ٱلَّذِى لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِۦ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِهِۦ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرًا
And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allāh] with His praise. And sufficient is He to be, with the sins of His servants, [fully] Aware -
۞ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى مَرَجَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ هَـٰذَا عَذْبٌ فُرَاتٌ وَهَـٰذَا مِلْحٌ أُجَاجٌ وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَهُمَا بَرْزَخًا وَحِجْرًا مَّحْجُورًا
And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas [i.e., bodies of water], one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition.
فَقَدْ كَذَّبُوكُم بِمَا تَقُولُونَ فَمَا تَسْتَطِيعُونَ صَرْفًا وَلَا نَصْرًا ۚ وَمَن يَظْلِم مِّنكُمْ نُذِقْهُ عَذَابًا كَبِيرًا
So they will deny you, [disbelievers], in what you say, and you cannot avert [punishment] or [find] help. And whoever commits injustice among you - We will make him taste a great punishment.