بِأَىِّ ذَنۢبٍ قُتِلَتْ 9
Translations
For what sin she was killed
Transliteration
Bi-ayyi dhanbin qutilat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question about the female infant who was buried alive (the practice of infanticide in pre-Islamic Arabia), asking 'for what sin was she killed?' The verse emphasizes the grave injustice and cruelty of this practice, as these innocent children had committed no wrongdoing to deserve such a fate. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Allah's condemnation of the barbaric custom of burying daughters alive due to fear of poverty or shame, highlighting the moral depravity of such acts and the complete innocence of the victims.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah At-Takwir, a Meccan surah that describes the Day of Judgment and the cosmic upheaval that will occur. The broader context (ayahs 8-9) specifically addresses the practice of infanticide, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia, particularly among certain tribes who would kill their newborn daughters. This surah serves as a powerful denunciation of this cruel custom and a warning of divine accountability.
Related Hadiths
The practice of killing daughters is condemned in multiple hadiths. One relevant tradition states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding those who have daughters: 'Whoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not prefer his son to her, Allah will enter him into Paradise' (Sunan Ibn Majah and others). This directly relates to the ayah's emphasis on the sin of infanticide.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that the protection of innocent life, particularly that of children, is a fundamental moral principle in Islam, and that we will be held accountable for our treatment of the vulnerable. It challenges us to examine our societies and values, ensuring we safeguard the dignity and rights of all, especially those without power to defend themselves.