هَـٰذَا ۚ وَإِنَّ لِلطَّـٰغِينَ لَشَرَّ مَـَٔابٍ 55
Translations
This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -
Transliteration
Haadhaa wa-inna lil-ttaghheena lasharru ma-aabin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the description of Paradise for the righteous by affirming that while the believers have the best of abodes, the transgressors and rebels against Allah have the worst of returns and final destinations. Ibn Kathir notes that 'ma-aab' (place of return) refers to the final abode in the Hereafter, emphasizing the stark contrast between the eternal rewards of the obedient and the eternal punishment of those who rejected Allah's guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah Sad, which is a Meccan surah dealing with themes of belief, disbelief, and the final judgment. The surah contrasts the states of the righteous and the wicked, and this particular ayah serves as a concluding statement emphasizing the justice of Allah's division between the two groups on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character,' (Tirmidhi) - relating to who attains the best abode. Additionally, Surah At-Taubah 9:72 contains a similar theme: 'Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah's justice ensures that the righteous will be rewarded with the best of dwellings while those who transgress and reject guidance will face the worst outcome, encouraging adherence to Islamic principles and discouraging rebellion against Allah's commands.
Related Ayahs
لِيَوْمِ ٱلْفَصْلِ
For the Day of Judgement.
فَكَانَ عَـٰقِبَتَهُمَآ أَنَّهُمَا فِى ٱلنَّارِ خَـٰلِدَيْنِ فِيهَا ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
So the outcome for both of them is that they will be in the Fire, abiding eternally therein. And that is the recompense of the wrongdoers.
ثُمَّ صُبُّوا۟ فَوْقَ رَأْسِهِۦ مِنْ عَذَابِ ٱلْحَمِيمِ
Then pour over his head from the torment of scalding water."
وَيَـٰقَوْمِ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنِّى عَـٰمِلٌ ۖ سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ مَن يَأْتِيهِ عَذَابٌ يُخْزِيهِ وَمَنْ هُوَ كَـٰذِبٌ ۖ وَٱرْتَقِبُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُمْ رَقِيبٌ
And O my people, work according to your position; indeed, I am working. You are going to know to whom will come a punishment that will disgrace him and who is a liar. So watch; indeed, I am with you a watcher, [awaiting the outcome]."