فَمَا تَنفَعُهُمْ شَفَـٰعَةُ ٱلشَّـٰفِعِينَ 48
Translations
So there will not benefit them the intercession of [any] intercessors.
Transliteration
Fama tanfa'uhum shafa'atu ash-shafi'een
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the intercession of intercessors will not benefit those who reject faith and turn away from Allah's signs on the Day of Judgment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this in the context of Surah Al-Muddaththir's description of Hell and those who will enter it—specifically, those who rejected the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will find no refuge in intercession, as Allah has sealed their hearts and denied them guidance. The ayah emphasizes that no one's intervention, however powerful, can save those whom Allah has condemned for their willful disbelief and arrogance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter part of Surah Al-Muddaththir, which was revealed early in the Meccan period and addresses the denial of the disbelievers of Mecca. The surah focuses on the fate of those who mocked the Prophet and rejected the divine message, depicting scenes from the Day of Judgment to warn them of the consequences of their disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding intercession: 'My intercession is for the people of my ummah who have committed major sins' (Tirmidhi). Another related hadith: 'No one's intercession will benefit those whom Allah has promised the Fire' (related to the broader theme in Islamic sources).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that salvation depends fundamentally on one's own faith and righteous deeds in this life—no external intercession can override Allah's justice for those who willfully reject truth. It should motivate us to embrace faith sincerely and avoid arrogance, knowing that only our sincere submission to Allah and good actions can secure His favor.
Related Ayahs
لِيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
That He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds out of His bounty. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.
إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ
When the two receivers [i.e., recording angels] receive, seated on the right and on the left.
يَوْمَ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعًا فَيَحْلِفُونَ لَهُۥ كَمَا يَحْلِفُونَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ ٱلْكَـٰذِبُونَ
On the Day Allāh will resurrect them all, and they will swear to Him as they swear to you and think that they are [standing] on something. Unquestionably, it is they who are the liars.
يَوْمَ نَدْعُوا۟ كُلَّ أُنَاسٍۭ بِإِمَـٰمِهِمْ ۖ فَمَنْ أُوتِىَ كِتَـٰبَهُۥ بِيَمِينِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَقْرَءُونَ كِتَـٰبَهُمْ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا
[Mention, O Muḥammad], the Day We will call forth every people with their record [of deeds]. Then whoever is given his record in his right hand - those will read their records, and injustice will not be done to them, [even] as much as a thread [inside the date seed].