إِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ جَزُوعًا 20
Translations
When evil touches him, impatient,
Transliteration
Idha massahu ash-sharru jazū'ā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a characteristic of ungrateful humans—when afflicted with harm or difficulty, they become impatient, despairing, and complaining (jazū'ā). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that jazū'ā refers to excessive impatience and loss of hope, contrasting with the patient believers mentioned in earlier verses. The ayah illustrates how some people lack resilience and faith when tested, revealing the weakness of their spiritual foundation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Ma'arij's broader theme of contrasting the grateful, patient believer with the ungrateful, impatient disbeliever. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the early period and addresses the spiritual character traits that distinguish the righteous from those who reject faith. The context emphasizes human nature and response to divine trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong person is the one who controls himself while in anger' (Sahih Bukhari 5764). This relates thematically to the patience contrasted with the impatience described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that patience during hardship is a sign of faith and character, while excessive complaint and despair reflect spiritual weakness and ingratitude. We should strive to respond to difficulties with steadfastness and trust in Allah's wisdom, knowing that trials are opportunities to strengthen our faith rather than occasions for despair.