وَأَمَّا ٱلْقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُوا۟ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبًا 15
Translations
But as for the unjust, they will be, for Hell, firewood.'
Transliteration
Wa-amma al-qasitun fa-kanu li-jahannama hataba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who deviate from the straight path and turn away from Allah's guidance, stating that they will become fuel for the Hellfire. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'al-qasitin' (the deviators/unjust ones) refers to those who reject Allah's signs and refuse to follow the path of righteousness, making them destined for eternal punishment. The metaphor of 'hatab' (firewood/fuel) emphasizes their complete consumption by the Fire and their uselessness except as fuel for torment.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Jinn was revealed in Mecca and discusses the jinn's response to hearing the Qur'an and their division into believers and disbelievers. This particular ayah concludes the surah by contrasting the believing jinn with the deviators, emphasizing the ultimate consequence of rejecting divine guidance—a recurring theme in Meccan surahs addressing both humans and jinn.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The Fire is surrounded by desires, and Paradise is surrounded by hardships' (Sahih Bukhari 6487), which contextualizes why those who deviate end up in Hell. Additionally, the concept of fuel for Hell is referenced in Surah Al-Tahrim (66:6) regarding those who reject faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that deviation from Allah's path and persistent rejection of His guidance leads to the severest punishment, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in obedience. It emphasizes that our choices in this life determine our eternal destiny, making it essential to align ourselves with truth and righteousness while we have the opportunity.