يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ 18
Translations
O you who have believed, fear Allāh. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Aware of what you do.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu ittaquu allah wa ltanzur nafsin ma qaddamat lighaddin wa ittaquu allah inna allah khabeerun bima ta'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to fear Allah and to reflect upon their deeds before the Day of Judgment, emphasizing accountability for one's actions. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'what the soul has sent forward for tomorrow' refers to the deeds prepared for the Hereafter, urging constant self-examination and moral vigilance. The repetition of 'fear Allah' (ittaquu allah) at the beginning and end frames the commandment, while the statement that Allah is 'All-Aware of what you do' serves as a powerful reminder that no action escapes His knowledge.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina as part of Surah Al-Hashr, which addresses the expulsion of Banu Nadir (a Jewish tribe). This ayah appears in the latter section of the surah and transitions from specific historical events to universal moral lessons. The context emphasizes that believers should learn from the fate of those who defied Allah and use this as motivation for self-accountability and righteous conduct.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The wise person is one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2459). Additionally, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer' (Sahih Bukhari 6418) reinforces the concept of preparing for the Hereafter.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are encouraged to regularly audit their intentions and deeds, recognizing that Allah observes all actions and that the present moment is an opportunity to send forward good deeds for eternal benefit. This ayah invites believers into a continuous cycle of self-improvement and spiritual vigilance rather than complacency in faith.