وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَكَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَحِيمِ 86
Translations
But those who disbelieved and denied Our signs - they are the companions of Hellfire.
Transliteration
Wa-alladhīna kafarū wa-kadhdhabhū bi-āyātinā ulā'ika aṣḥābu al-jahīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that those who disbelieve and deny Allah's signs are the inhabitants of Hell. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse encompasses both those who reject faith outright and those who witness clear proofs yet turn away in denial. The definitive statement 'ash-hābu al-jahīm' (inhabitants of Hell) reflects the eternal consequence of willful rejection of divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in the concluding section of Surah Al-Ma'idah, which discusses the consequences of faith and disbelief. It contextualizes the previous discussion of believers' rewards (5:85) by contrasting it with the fate of disbelievers, establishing a clear dichotomy between obedience and rejection of Allah's signs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever meets Allah associating nothing with Him will enter Paradise, and whoever meets Him associating partners with Him will enter the Fire' (Sahih Muslim 93). Additionally, 'The most hated of people to Allah is the polytheist idolater' (Sahih Bukhari 4497) relates to the condition of kafarū (disbelieved).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder that knowledge alone without sincere acceptance and implementation of faith is insufficient; deliberate denial of Allah's clear signs carries the gravest spiritual consequence. For believers, it emphasizes the importance of cherishing faith and the Quran while encouraging compassion toward seekers of truth.