قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ 13
Translations
Say, "Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day."
Transliteration
Qul inni akhafu in 'asaytu rabbi 'adhaba yawmin 'adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is commanded to proclaim that he fears the punishment of a great Day (the Day of Judgment) should he disobey his Lord, emphasizing human accountability before Allah regardless of station. This ayah demonstrates the Prophet's own piety and reverence for Allah, establishing that even the most righteous must fear Allah's punishment and maintain obedience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this serves as a profound lesson that no one is exempt from divine justice, and that fear of Allah (khawf) combined with obedience is the foundation of faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zumar, a Meccan surah that addresses the nature of monotheism and the consequences of disbelief. The ayah occurs within a passage where the Prophet is instructed to clarify his message and personal stance regarding worship of Allah alone, in contrast to those who associate partners with Him. The context emphasizes that even the Messenger himself prioritizes obedience and fears Allah's punishment.
Related Hadiths
Jundub ibn Abdullah reported that the Prophet said: 'The most feared thing I fear for you is minor shirk (hidden polytheism)' (Sunan Ahmad). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet would pray at night until his feet would swell, and when asked why, he said: 'Should I not be a grateful servant?' (Sahih Bukhari), reflecting the same spirit of devoted obedience and fear of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine faith is rooted in a healthy fear of Allah and conscious awareness of accountability before Him on the Day of Judgment. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that no position, knowledge, or deed grants immunity from divine judgment; rather, true devotion lies in constant vigilance over one's obedience and sincere submission to Allah's commands.
Related Ayahs
وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَفْعَلُونَ
And every soul will be fully compensated [for] what it did; and He is most knowing of what they do.
وَسِيقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوهَا فُتِحَتْ أَبْوَٰبُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَآ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَـٰتِ رَبِّكُمْ وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَـٰذَا ۚ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَلَـٰكِنْ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَةُ ٱلْعَذَابِ عَلَى ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, "Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "Yes, but the word [i.e., decree] of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers."
ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ تَخْتَصِمُونَ
Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, before your Lord, will dispute.
لَهُم مِّن فَوْقِهِمْ ظُلَلٌ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَمِن تَحْتِهِمْ ظُلَلٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ يُخَوِّفُ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦ عِبَادَهُۥ ۚ يَـٰعِبَادِ فَٱتَّقُونِ
They will have canopies [i.e., layers] of fire above them and below them, canopies. By that Allāh threatens [i.e., warns] His servants. O My servants, then fear Me.