قَالَ هَلْ أَنتُم مُّطَّلِعُونَ 54
Translations
He will say, "Would you [care to] look?"
Transliteration
Qala hal antum muttali'oon
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, one of the people of Paradise addresses his companion, asking 'Are you willing to look?' - referring to the ability to observe the people of Hell from their place in Paradise. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this demonstrates the contrast between the states of the blessed and the damned, and shows how the people of Paradise will be granted knowledge and vision of the reality of Hell as a confirmation of their safety and a testament to Allah's justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah As-Saffat's detailed description of the Day of Judgment and the dialogue between inhabitants of Paradise and Hell. The broader context involves a conversation between a man of faith and his companion from their life on earth, illustrating the relationships and distinctions that will be evident in the Hereafter. This is part of the Meccan period's emphasis on the certainty of the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, relevant related traditions include those describing the viewing of Paradise and Hell on the Day of Judgment. See also the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding the people of Paradise seeing the people of Hell, which contextualizes this Quranic scene.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that ultimate justice and clarity will come on the Day of Judgment, when the truth of our choices becomes undeniably apparent. It encourages believers to live righteously in this world, knowing that the consequences of our actions will be vividly realized in the eternal life to come.