لَوْ يَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ حِينَ لَا يَكُفُّونَ عَن وُجُوهِهِمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَلَا عَن ظُهُورِهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ 39
Translations
If those who disbelieved but knew the time when they will not avert the Fire from their faces or from their backs and they will not be aided...
Transliteration
Law ya'lamu alladhina kafarū hīna lā yakuffūna 'an wujūhihimu al-nāru wa lā 'an zuhūrihim wa lā hum yunṣarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the regret and helplessness of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, when they realize they cannot shield their faces or backs from the Fire of Hell, nor will anyone come to their aid. Ibn Kathir explains that this depicts the severity of divine punishment and the complete abandonment of the disbelievers in that moment, emphasizing that no protection or assistance will avail them whatsoever.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anbya's broader theme regarding the accountability on the Day of Judgment and the consequences of rejecting the prophets and divine guidance. It comes in the context of detailed descriptions of the Resurrection and the fate of believers versus disbelievers, reinforcing the Quranic emphasis on inevitable divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The Fire will be brought on the Day of Resurrection, dragging with it seventy thousand angels' (Sahih Muslim 2842). Additionally, Surah Al-Anbya 39-40 is contextually related to hadiths about the severity of Hell and the powerlessness of the damned (found in various collections including At-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder of the certainty of divine accountability and should inspire believers to seek protection from Hell through faith and righteous deeds while they have the opportunity in this life. It underscores that worldly power and allies cannot save one from divine justice, encouraging dependence on Allah's mercy rather than temporal security.