مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ ۖ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ كَرَمَادٍ ٱشْتَدَّتْ بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى يَوْمٍ عَاصِفٍ ۖ لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلضَّلَـٰلُ ٱلْبَعِيدُ 18
Translations
The example of those who disbelieve in their Lord is [that] their deeds are like ashes which the wind blows forcefully on a stormy day; they are unable [to keep] from what they earned a [single] thing. That is what is extreme error.
Transliteration
Mathalu alladhina kafaroo birabbihim a'maluhum karamadin ishtaddat bihi ar-rih fee yawmin aasif la yaqdirun mimma kasaboo ala shay dhalika huwa ad-dalalal ba'id
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a powerful metaphor for the deeds of disbelievers, comparing them to ashes scattered by a violent wind—utterly powerless and worthless. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that despite the disbelievers' effort and acquisition of wealth and deeds in this world, they gain nothing from these actions on the Day of Judgment because their works are nullified by their rejection of Allah. Al-Qurtubi notes that this demonstrates the futility of all good deeds when they are not grounded in faith (Tawhid) and obedience to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan Surah Ibrahim, which emphasizes the consequences of disbelief and the ultimate failure of those who reject Allah's message. The surah contextually addresses the Quraysh's rejection of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and serves as a warning about the worthlessness of worldly achievements without divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the son of Adam dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), knowledge that benefits people, or a righteous child who prays for him' (Sahih Muslim 1631). This hadith illustrates the contrast—only certain deeds endure, while the deeds of the disbeliever are like scattered ash.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no amount of worldly effort, wealth, or apparent achievement has value without sincere faith in Allah—our spiritual foundation determines the eternal worth of our actions. Believers should focus on grounding all their endeavors in Tawhid and obedience to Allah, knowing that this alone gives their deeds lasting significance.
Related Ayahs
وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًا لِّيُضِلُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ ۗ قُلْ تَمَتَّعُوا۟ فَإِنَّ مَصِيرَكُمْ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ
And they have attributed to Allāh equals to mislead [people] from His way. Say, "Enjoy yourselves, for indeed, your destination is the Fire."
وَأَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ يَوْمَ يَأْتِيهِمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ فَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَخِّرْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ نُّجِبْ دَعْوَتَكَ وَنَتَّبِعِ ٱلرُّسُلَ ۗ أَوَلَمْ تَكُونُوٓا۟ أَقْسَمْتُم مِّن قَبْلُ مَا لَكُم مِّن زَوَالٍ
And, [O Muḥammad], warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them and those who did wrong will say, "Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers." [But it will be said], "Had you not sworn, before, that for you there would be no cessation?
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ
Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established."
وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰٓ إِن تَكْفُرُوٓا۟ أَنتُمْ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَغَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ
And Moses said, "If you should disbelieve, you and whoever is on the earth entirely - indeed, Allāh is Free of need and Praiseworthy."