وَجَعَلْنَا مِنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَـٰهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ 9
Translations
And We have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so they do not see.
Transliteration
Wa ja'alna min bayni aydihim saddan wa min khalfihim saddan fa aghshaynāhum fa hum lā yubṣirūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah has placed barriers before and behind the disbelievers, preventing them from perceiving the truth of the Qur'an and the message of tawhid. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain these 'sadds' (barriers) as both physical and spiritual impediments—referring to Allah's covering of their hearts and sealing their sight from understanding divine signs. Al-Qurtubi notes this represents the complete deprivation of those who persistently reject faith, encompassing all aspects of their perception and understanding.
Revelation Context
Surah Ya-Sin, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, addresses the polytheists' rejection of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an. This ayah appears within the context of describing the fate of those who turn away from Allah's message despite clear signs, emphasizing their self-imposed spiritual blindness and Allah's justice in sealing their hearts as a consequence of their choice to reject faith.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that when a person rejects guidance repeatedly, Allah seals their heart: 'When a believer commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart, but if he repents and seeks forgiveness, his heart is polished clean.' This illustrates the progressive sealing of hearts mentioned in 36:9.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that persistent rejection of divine guidance results in spiritual blindness as a just consequence from Allah, encouraging us to remain receptive to truth and reflect deeply on signs around us before our hearts become sealed to understanding. It also emphasizes that guidance is ultimately from Allah, humbling us to seek His aid in maintaining open hearts and clear vision.