يَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ بِٱلْعَذَابِ وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيطَةٌۢ بِٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 54
Translations
They urge you to hasten the punishment. And indeed, Hell will be encompassing of the disbelievers
Transliteration
Yasta'jilūnaka bil-'adhābi wa-inna jahannama lamuhītatun bil-kāfirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers mockingly urge the Prophet (peace be upon him) to hasten the punishment, not believing it will truly come. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah responds to their arrogant challenge by reminding them that Hell already encompasses and awaits them, emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution. This ayah illustrates the blindness of the disbelievers to the reality of their inevitable fate.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader Meccan context of Surah Al-'Ankabut, which addresses the mockery and opposition the Prophet faced from the Quraysh. The disbelievers' challenge to 'bring the punishment' reflects their arrogant denial and impatience, a recurring theme in Meccan surahs dealing with the rejection of divine warnings.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warns of the certainty of the Hereafter and Hell's reality. Also relevant is the general principle found in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding those who mock the signs of Allah and their inevitable punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that mocking or challenging God's promises of accountability is foolish—the reality of divine justice is certain and inescapable. Modern readers should reflect on whether they take seriously the spiritual consequences of their actions, rather than dismissing them with heedlessness or doubt.