وَأُتْبِعُوا۟ فِى هَـٰذِهِۦ لَعْنَةً وَيَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۚ بِئْسَ ٱلرِّفْدُ ٱلْمَرْفُودُ 99
Translations
And they were followed in this [world] with a curse and on the Day of Resurrection. And wretched is the gift which is given.
Transliteration
Wa-utbi'ū fī hādhihī la'natan wa-yawma al-qiyāmah. Bi'sa al-rifdu al-marfūd.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how those who rejected faith are followed by curses in this life and on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the severe punishment awaiting disbelievers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'utbi'ū (they are followed) refers to how divine punishment pursues them continuously, and 'al-rifdu al-marfūd' (an evil provision given) signifies the miserable reward they receive for their disbelief and stubbornness. The ayah underscores the certainty of divine justice and the consequences of rejecting Allah's guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Hud's discussion of Pharaoh and his people, illustrating the fate of those who persistently reject divine messages despite clear signs. It follows the narrative of how Pharaoh led his people astray, emphasizing that arrogance and denial of truth result in both worldly shame and eternal punishment.
Related Hadiths
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me' (Sahih Bukhari 5063), reflecting the theme that rejection of guidance brings separation from Allah's mercy. Also relevant is: 'The curse of Allah is upon the oppressors' (Tirmidhi 2029), connecting rejection of truth with divine displeasure.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that rejecting divine guidance does not go unpunished—both in this world through spiritual emptiness and social consequences, and in the Hereafter through eternal torment. It encourages believers to heed Allah's signs and warnings, recognizing that true provision and success come only through obedience and faith.