قُتِلَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْأُخْدُودِ 4
Translations
Destroyed [i.e., cursed] were the companions of the trench
Transliteration
Qutila ashabu al-ukhdud
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'Cursed be the people of the trench,' referring to those who dug a trench and burned believing servants of Allah in it—an incident of persecution mentioned in pre-Islamic Arabia. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain this as a stern invocation of Allah's curse upon oppressors who tortured monotheists for their faith. The ayah serves as a powerful warning against religious persecution and injustice, while consoling the believers of Muhammad's time who faced similar trials.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of early Muslims. The context addresses the persecution of believers by disbelievers, with the 'Companions of the Trench' serving as a historical example of how previous nations punished the faithful. This ayah was revealed to strengthen the resolve of persecuted Muslims by reminding them that Allah's justice encompasses all tyrants throughout history.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (Vol. 4, Book 56, Hadith 661) reports that Suhaib al-Rumi narrated the detailed account of the People of the Trench—a king's sorcerer who instructed a young boy to guide people to faith, resulting in mass conversions and the subsequent persecution by the king. This hadith provides the historical context directly referenced in Surah Al-Buruj.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that oppression of the faithful is not new and that Allah's justice is absolute—tyrants throughout history have been cursed for their cruelty, providing comfort to those facing trials for their faith and inspiring unwavering commitment to truth despite worldly hardship.