لَّن تُغْنِىَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَٰلُهُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَـٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 17
Translations
Never will their wealth or their children avail them against Allāh at all. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally
Transliteration
Lan tughnee AAanhum amwaluhum wala awladuhum min Allahi shayan. Olaika ashab al-nari hum feeha khalidoon.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that wealth and children will be of no benefit to the disbelievers and those who oppose Allah on the Day of Judgment; they cannot protect them from Allah's punishment in any way. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi highlight that this verse serves as a stark warning that material possessions and family ties hold no value in the Hereafter for those who reject faith, and such people are destined for the Hellfire where they will remain eternally.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in the context of Surah Al-Mujadila, which addresses the issue of those who dispute with the Prophet Muhammad regarding Islamic rulings. The broader thematic context of this surah (revealed in Medina) deals with the futility of opposing Allah and His Messenger, emphasizing that no worldly advantage can save the disbelievers from divine punishment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Sahih Al-Bukhari 4728). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding the Day of Judgment mentions that a person's family and wealth will not benefit him except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true security and salvation come only through faith in Allah and righteous deeds, not through accumulation of wealth or family status. Believers should prioritize their spiritual standing with Allah above worldly attachments, as only sincere obedience to Allah will provide real benefit on the Day of Judgment.