بَلَىٰ مَن كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَـٰطَتْ بِهِۦ خَطِيٓـَٔتُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 81
Translations
Yes, [on the contrary], whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
Transliteration
Balā man kasaba sayyi'atan wa-aḥāṭat bihi khaṭī'atuhu fa-ulā'ika aṣḥābu al-nāri hum fīhā khālidūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that whoever commits evil deeds and becomes engulfed by their sins will be among the inhabitants of the Fire, dwelling therein eternally. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as referring to those who persist in sin without repentance and die in a state of disbelief or major disobedience. The phrase 'aḥāṭat bihi khaṭī'atuhu' (his sins have encompassed him) suggests a comprehensive entanglement in wrongdoing that leaves no room for redemption, emphasizing the gravity of accumulated sin.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a broader passage (2:80-81) addressing the false claims of certain People of the Book who believed they would enter Paradise regardless of their actions. The context refutes their assertion that they possess exclusive salvation, establishing the Islamic principle that deeds and accountability are universal. It responds to their spiritual arrogance and misconceptions about divine mercy.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'Whoever meets Allah with no partner unto Him shall enter Paradise, and whoever meets Him ascribing partners to Him shall enter the Fire.' (Sahih Muslim 93). Additionally, the hadith regarding the three who will not enter Paradise emphasizes the consequence of dying upon disbelief or major sin (Sunan Ibn Mājah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that no one possesses automatic salvation regardless of their actions, and that we are accountable for our deeds before Allah. It underscores the critical importance of seeking repentance and turning away from sin before death, as persistent wrongdoing without tawbah leads to the most severe consequence—eternal separation from Allah's mercy.