وَقَدِمْنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُوا۟ مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً مَّنثُورًا 23
Translations
And We will approach [i.e., regard] what they have done of deeds and make them as dust dispersed.
Transliteration
Wa qadimna ilā mā amilū min amalin fajaalnaahu hubāan manthūrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the deeds of the disbelievers and polytheists on the Day of Judgment, whose works will be rendered completely void and scattered like dispersed dust particles. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that all the good deeds and efforts of those who rejected Allah's message will be nullified in the Hereafter, as their deeds were not performed with sincere faith in Allah. The metaphor of 'scattered dust' emphasizes the utter worthlessness and complete annihilation of their efforts.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers of Mecca and clarifies fundamental Islamic concepts. The broader context discusses the state of the disbelievers in the Hereafter and how their worldly accomplishments and deeds will hold no value without the foundation of sincere faith (īmān) in Allah and His Messenger.
Related Hadiths
Related to the theme of deeds without sincere intention: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Deeds are judged by intentions, and each person will have [the reward of] only what they intended' (Sahih Bukhari 1). Also relevant: 'Whoever does a deed for other than Allah's sake, Allah will make his deed known [as insincere]' (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder that all our endeavors and accomplishments in this life are only meaningful and lasting if rooted in sincere faith in Allah and obedience to His commandments. For modern believers, it emphasizes the importance of examining our intentions and ensuring our deeds are performed solely for Allah's pleasure, not for worldly recognition or personal gain.
Related Ayahs
وَيَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِٱلْغَمَـٰمِ وَنُزِّلَ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ تَنزِيلًا
And [mention] the Day when the heaven will split open with [emerging] clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive descent.
قُلْ مَآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ أَجْرٍ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ أَن يَتَّخِذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ سَبِيلًا
Say, "I do not ask of you for it any payment - only that whoever wills might take to his Lord a way."
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا
And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], except as a bringer of good tidings and a warner.
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلرَّحْمَـٰنِ قَالُوا۟ وَمَا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ أَنَسْجُدُ لِمَا تَأْمُرُنَا وَزَادَهُمْ نُفُورًا ۩
And when it is said to them, "Prostrate to the Most Merciful," they say, "And what is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to that which you order us?" And it increases them in aversion.