إِنَّ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ فِى عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدُونَ 74
Translations
Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.
Transliteration
Inna al-mujrimeen fee adhabi jahannama khalidun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the criminals and evildoers will remain eternally in the punishment of Hell, never to leave or find reprieve. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that the word 'khalidun' (abiding/eternal) indicates the perpetual nature of their punishment, reflecting the Quranic principle that those who reject faith and persist in sin face eternal consequences. This statement appears in the context of contrasting the eternal bliss of the believers in Paradise with the eternal torment of the disbelievers.
Revelation Context
Surah Az-Zukhruf is a Meccan surah revealed during the early Islamic period, addressing the polytheists of Mecca who rejected the message of Prophet Muhammad. This ayah appears near the end of the surah as part of a section describing the final judgment and the contrasting destinies of believers and disbelievers, serving as a warning to those who persist in rejection and wrongdoing.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The people of Paradise will not enter Hell, and the people of Hell will not enter Paradise.' (Sahih Muslim 2834). Additionally, the Quran emphasizes in Surah Al-A'raf 7:36 that those who reject signs will abide in Hell eternally.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder that rejection of divine guidance has serious eternal consequences, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith and righteousness while motivating them to sincerely invite others to the path of Islam before it is too late.