أَفَمَن يَتَّقِى بِوَجْهِهِۦ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۚ وَقِيلَ لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْسِبُونَ 24
Translations
Then is he who will shield with his face the worst of the punishment on the Day of Resurrection [like one secure from it]? And it will be said to the wrongdoers, "Taste what you used to earn."
Transliteration
Afaman yattaqi biwajhihi soo'a al-'adhabi yawma al-qiyamah, wa qila lil-dhalimiina dhooqu ma kuntum taksiboon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the contrast between the believer who guards himself against punishment and the wrongdoer on the Day of Judgment. The phrase 'protects his face' (يتقي بوجهه) is interpreted by classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir as a metaphor for the believer's comprehensive protection through piety and good deeds, while the wrongdoers are commanded to taste the consequences of their deeds. The ayah emphasizes divine justice: those who earned evil through their actions will experience its bitter fruit.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Az-Zumar, which was revealed in Mecca and addresses the fundamental themes of monotheism, resurrection, and accountability. The surah contrasts the paths of the righteous and the misguided, and this specific ayah falls within a section discussing the inevitability of divine judgment and the consequences of one's deeds in the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3662), relating to the protection of one's face/honor through righteous conduct. Additionally, 'Everyone will taste death, and We will test you with evil and with good as a trial' (Quran 21:35) complements the theme of recompense for deeds.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true security and protection come from maintaining taqwa (God-consciousness) and righteousness in all circumstances. For modern readers, it serves as a powerful reminder that every action has consequences, and the foundation of lasting peace lies in building a character protected by piety rather than seeking worldly gains through wrongdoing.