إِنَّ بَطْشَ رَبِّكَ لَشَدِيدٌ 12
Translations
Indeed, the assault [i.e., vengeance] of your Lord is severe.
Transliteration
Inna batsha rabbika lashadid
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes the overwhelming and severe punishment of Allah when He seizes the wrongdoers. Ibn Kathir explains that 'batsh' (seizure/punishment) refers to Allah's swift and powerful grasp of those who reject faith and commit transgressions, particularly referencing the fate of the People of the Elephant and other disbelieving nations mentioned in Surah Al-Buruj. Al-Qurtubi notes this serves as a stern warning to those who persecute believers, assuring them of inevitable divine retribution.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Buruj, which recounts the story of the believers who were thrown into the fire (the ashab al-ukhdud) and contrasts this with Allah's protection of believers and His punishment of disbelievers. The surah was revealed in Mecca to comfort the persecuted Muslim community and remind them that Allah's punishment for oppressors is certain and severe, following the narrative arc that begins with oaths by celestial bodies and culminates with divine warnings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most terrible day for the tyrants will be the Day of Judgment when they see the punishment prepared for them' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Surah Al-Buruj 85:10 is related to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet warned against transgression and oppression, as Allah's punishment for such acts is severe.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that while oppressors may seem powerful in this world, Allah's grip is far more severe, and their punishment is inescapable; it provides comfort to those facing persecution by affirming that justice ultimately comes from Allah, not from human hands.