قَالُوا۟ لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ 43
Translations
They will say, "We were not of those who prayed,
Transliteration
Qālū lam nakun mina al-muṣallīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers in Hell confess that they were not among those who prayed during their worldly life. This statement represents their acknowledgment of their own spiritual negligence and rejection of faith. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this admission comes too late, after they have entered the Fire, emphasizing that the time for repentance has passed and their regret cannot change their fate.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Muddaththir's vivid description of the Day of Judgment and the state of the disbelievers in Hell. It is part of a dialogue in which the inhabitants of Hell are questioned about their deeds, highlighting how the neglect of prayer—the cornerstone of Islamic practice—was a defining characteristic of those who rejected Allah's guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The covenant between us and them is prayer, so whoever abandons it has disbelieved' (Sunan Ibn Majah and Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet stated that prayer is the first deed that will be reckoned on the Day of Judgment (Sunan An-Nasa'i).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah underscores that prayer is not merely a ritual but a fundamental pillar that distinguishes believers from disbelievers, and that neglecting it is a grave spiritual danger. For modern readers, it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize the five daily prayers as an essential expression of faith and obedience to Allah, lest regret overtake us when it is too late.