ٱدْخُلُوٓا۟ أَبْوَٰبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ 76
Translations
Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant."
Transliteration
Udkhulu abwaba jahannama khalidina fiha, fa-bi'sa mathwa al-mutakabbirin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the command to the arrogant disbelievers to enter the gates of Hell, where they will remain eternally, emphasizing that Hell is an evil abode for those who were arrogant in the worldly life. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this verse illustrates the consequences of arrogance (takabbur) and rejection of divine signs, positioning arrogance as a cardinal sin that leads to damnation. The emphasis on 'khalidina fiha' (remaining therein) underscores the permanence of their punishment for those who died in disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ghafir, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when polytheists and arrogant leaders of Mecca rejected the message. The broader context of 40:76 is the final scene of the Last Day, describing the ultimate fate of those who rejected Allah's signs—this serves as a powerful warning to the Meccan audience about the consequences of persistent arrogance and denial.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most hated person to Allah is an arrogant person' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Pride and arrogance are the diseases of the heart' (Sunan Ibn Majah), emphasizing the spiritual danger of takabbur that leads to such punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns believers to guard against arrogance and spiritual pride, qualities that separate one from Allah's mercy and lead to ruin. Humility before Allah and acceptance of divine guidance are essential safeguards against following the path of those condemned to Hell.
Related Ayahs
وَلَقَدْ رَٰوَدُوهُ عَن ضَيْفِهِۦ فَطَمَسْنَآ أَعْيُنَهُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابِى وَنُذُرِ
And they had demanded from him his guests, but We obliterated their eyes, [saying], "Taste My punishment and warning."
وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِۦ فَأَصْبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنفَقَ فِيهَا وَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا وَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى لَمْ أُشْرِكْ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدًا
And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, "Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone."
وَثَمُودَا۟ فَمَآ أَبْقَىٰ
And Thamūd - and He did not spare [them] -
قَالَ قَدْ وَقَعَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ رِجْسٌ وَغَضَبٌ ۖ أَتُجَـٰدِلُونَنِى فِىٓ أَسْمَآءٍ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّا نَزَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَـٰنٍ ۚ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُنتَظِرِينَ
[Hūd] said, "Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them, you and your fathers, for which Allāh has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."