ذَٰلِكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَفْرَحُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَبِمَا كُنتُمْ تَمْرَحُونَ 75
Translations
[The angels will say], "That was because you used to exult upon the earth without right and you used to behave insolently.
Transliteration
Dhaalikum bimaa kuntum tafrahoon fil-ardi bighayril-haqq wa bimaa kuntum tamrahoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, informing them that their punishment is the consequence of their unjust rejoicing and arrogance on earth. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'tafrahoon' (rejoicing) and 'tamrahoon' (exulting/acting insolently) refer to their prideful conduct and mockery of the truth and believers during their worldly life. The ayah emphasizes that Allah's justice demands recompense for their transgressive behavior and rejection of divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah Ghafir (40:75), within a passage describing the scene of the Final Day when disbelievers face the consequences of their deeds. The surah, revealed in Mecca during a period of intensified opposition to the Prophet Muhammad, addresses the Meccan polytheists' arrogance and their unjust treatment of believers. The broader context concerns divine justice and accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The most hateful of people to Allah is the most proud' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the hadith 'Wealth and children are adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Surah Al-Kahf 46) relates to the theme of transient worldly rejoicing versus eternal consequences.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that arrogance and unjust behavior in the world, particularly the rejection of divine truth and mistreatment of the righteous, will result in severe accountability before Allah. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against pride, to conduct themselves with justice and humility, and to remember that worldly success obtained through transgression is transient and will be punished eternally.
Related Ayahs
بَلَىٰ مَن كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَـٰطَتْ بِهِۦ خَطِيٓـَٔتُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
Yes, [on the contrary], whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
وَٱلَّذَانِ يَأْتِيَـٰنِهَا مِنكُمْ فَـَٔاذُوهُمَا ۖ فَإِن تَابَا وَأَصْلَحَا فَأَعْرِضُوا۟ عَنْهُمَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا
And the two who commit it [i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse] among you - punish [i.e., dishonor] them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allāh is ever Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.
وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ يُبْلِسُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ
And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will be in despair.
ثُمَّ يُقَالُ هَـٰذَا ٱلَّذِى كُنتُم بِهِۦ تُكَذِّبُونَ
Then it will be said [to them], "This is what you used to deny."