كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ كَانَ سَيِّئُهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّكَ مَكْرُوهًا 38
Translations
All that [i.e., the aforementioned] - its evil is ever, in the sight of your Lord, detested.
Transliteration
Kullu dhālika kāna sayyi'uhū 'inda rabbika makrūhā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes a passage about moral prohibitions, affirming that all the evil deeds mentioned previously (arrogance, pride, and other vices) are disliked and abhorrent in the sight of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that Allah's displeasure is not arbitrary but based on the inherent evil nature of these sins, establishing that such vices contradict the divine will and moral order. The phrase 'sayyi'uhū' (the evil of it/him) refers to the sinful aspect of these behaviors, which Allah abhors and will punish.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Isra's broader ethical guidance revealed in Mecca, where Allah instructs believers on moral conduct and character. It specifically concludes a passage (17:23-38) addressing various moral injunctions including respect for parents, proper treatment of the needy, and avoidance of arrogance and wastefulness. The context emphasizes comprehensive moral reform in a polytheistic society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done continuously, even if they are small' (Sahih Bukhari 6464), which reinforces the importance of consistent avoidance of these disliked behaviors. Additionally, 'Verily, Allah hates the proud and the arrogant' is referenced in multiple hadith collections regarding the vice of arrogance (kibr) mentioned in the preceding verses.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's judgment of our actions is perfectly just and based on their true nature—evil deeds are inherently disliked by Him because they harm our spiritual development and social harmony. We should constantly strive to purify our intentions and actions, recognizing that seemingly small vices like arrogance and wastefulness carry real weight in Allah's sight.
Related Ayahs
وَقُل رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِى مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِى مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَٱجْعَل لِّى مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَـٰنًا نَّصِيرًا
And say, "My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority."
وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ نُوحٍ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرًۢا بَصِيرًا
And how many have We destroyed from the generations after Noah. And sufficient is your Lord, concerning the sins of His servants, as Aware and Seeing.
وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ ٱلْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَّحْسُورًا
And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.
عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يَرْحَمَكُمْ ۚ وَإِنْ عُدتُّمْ عُدْنَا ۘ وَجَعَلْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ حَصِيرًا
[Then Allāh said], "It is expected, [if you repent], that your Lord will have mercy upon you. But if you return [to sin], We will return [to punishment]. And We have made Hell, for the disbelievers, a prison-bed."