كُلُوا۟ وَتَمَتَّعُوا۟ قَلِيلًا إِنَّكُم مُّجْرِمُونَ 46
Translations
[O disbelievers], eat and enjoy yourselves a little; indeed, you are criminals.
Transliteration
Kulū wa-tamattaʿū qalīlan innakum mujrimūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, sarcastically inviting them to eat and enjoy the pleasures of this world for a brief moment, since they are criminals who rejected faith. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this is a statement of rebuke and mockery—the transient enjoyments they pursued in the dunya (worldly life) will soon end, and they will face eternal punishment. The word "qalīlan" (a little/briefly) emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures compared to the eternity of the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mursalat is a Meccan surah focused on the themes of the Day of Judgment and the consequences of rejecting divine truth. This ayah appears within the section describing the fate of the disbelievers, emphasizing the contrast between their brief worldly indulgence and their ultimate accountability before Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The world is sweet and green, and verily Allah will make you stewards in it to see how you act' (Sahih Muslim 2742). Additionally, Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:20 conveys a similar theme: disbelievers are told their good deeds in this life will be exhausted, leaving them with punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that worldly enjoyments are temporary and should never distract from obedience to Allah and preparation for the Hereafter. The ultimate measure of success is not fleeting pleasure in this life, but righteousness and accountability before the Creator.