يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ وَٱخْشَوْا۟ يَوْمًا لَّا يَجْزِى وَالِدٌ عَن وَلَدِهِۦ وَلَا مَوْلُودٌ هُوَ جَازٍ عَن وَالِدِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا ۚ إِنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ ۖ فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَلَا يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِٱللَّهِ ٱلْغَرُورُ 33
Translations
O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father at all. Indeed, the promise of Allāh is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allāh by the Deceiver [i.e., Satan].
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha an-nasu ittaqu rabbakum wakhshaw yawman la yajzi walidum an waladi-hi wa la mawludun huwa jazin an walihi-hi shay'a. Inna wa'da Allahi haqqun. Fala taghurrannakumu al-hayatu ad-dunya wa la yaghurannakum billahi al-gharur.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands all humanity to fear Allah and dread the Day of Judgment when no parent can intercede for their child, nor any child for their parent—each soul will bear its own responsibility before Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse establishes personal accountability on the Day of Resurrection, negating any reliance on worldly relationships or status. The ayah concludes with a warning against being deceived by the fleeting allure of worldly life and against those who deceive others in the name of Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Luqman is a Meccan surah that addresses universal moral and spiritual guidance. This particular ayah falls within Luqman's counsel to his son and then broadens to address all of humanity. The context emphasizes personal responsibility and the futility of worldly deceptions in preparation for the Hereafter, fitting the Meccan period's focus on monotheism, resurrection, and accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Each of you is a shepherd and each of you will be asked about his flock' (Sahih Bukhari 893), emphasizing individual accountability. Additionally, regarding family bonds on the Day of Judgment, the Quran states in Surah At-Tahrim (66:6): 'O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from the Fire,' highlighting that spiritual protection is individual.
Themes
Key Lesson
Each person is individually responsible for their deeds before Allah, and no worldly relationship—even with parents or children—can shield one from divine judgment; therefore, believers should focus on piety and truth rather than being seduced by material life and those who deceive others regarding their relationship with Allah.