أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا ۖ إِنَّهُمْ سَآءَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 15
Translations
Allāh has prepared for them a severe punishment. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.
Transliteration
A'adda Allahu lahum adhaban shadidan, innahum saa'a ma kanu ya'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns that Allah has prepared severe punishment for those who disbelieve and oppose His signs, particularly those who ally with disbelievers against the believers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this refers specifically to the hypocrites (munafiqun) and their evil deeds, highlighting that their actions were profoundly wrong and deserving of divine retribution. The ayah underscores that Allah's punishment is proportionate to the gravity of one's misdeeds.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Mujadila, which was revealed regarding the case of Khawlah bint Tha'labah and her dispute with her husband. The broader context addresses those who take disbelievers as allies and supporters against the Muslim community, condemning such betrayal and warning of severe consequences for those who persist in such enmity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever dies while taking a friend from among the disbelievers (out of allegiance), he will not enter Paradise' (Sahih Bukhari 3005). Additionally, the hadith on the gravity of deeds relates: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1162), contrasting righteous conduct with the condemned actions mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah is always aware of our actions and intentions, and that aligning ourselves with those opposed to Islam or compromising our faith carries serious spiritual consequences. We must prioritize our loyalty to Allah and His community over worldly affiliations, understanding that every deed is recorded and will be reckoned on the Day of Judgment.