أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْكَفَرَةُ ٱلْفَجَرَةُ 42
Translations
Those are the disbelievers, the wicked ones.
Transliteration
Ula'ika humu al-kafaratu al-fajarah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah identifies and characterizes those who reject faith as both disbelievers (al-kafarah) and the wicked/immoral (al-fajarah). Ibn Kathir explains that al-fajarah refers to those who combine disbelief with moral depravity and wickedness, emphasizing that rejection of divine truth naturally leads to ethical corruption. Al-Qurtubi notes that this description encapsulates the complete spiritual and moral degradation of those who turn away from God's guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah 'Abasa, which addresses the Prophet's frown at a blind companion ('Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum) who interrupted his conversation with Quraysh leaders. The surah contrasts those who seek knowledge eagerly with those who reject it arrogantly. This particular ayah concludes the thematic section distinguishing between the righteous believers and the obstinate disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said: 'The best of you are those with the best manners (akhlaq),' highlighting that true faith is inseparable from moral excellence—a principle demonstrated by this ayah's linking of disbelief with wickedness. Also relevant is the hadith from Tirmidhi that believers are known by their character.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that rejection of divine guidance is not merely an intellectual failing but leads to comprehensive moral and spiritual corruption; thus, maintaining faith and integrity are intrinsically connected, and turning away from God's message inevitably corrupts one's character and conduct.