لَا يَسْتَوِىٓ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ وَأَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۚ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ هُمُ ٱلْفَآئِزُونَ 20
Translations
Not equal are the companions of the Fire and the companions of Paradise. The companions of Paradise - they are the attainers [of success].
Transliteration
Lā yastawī ashhābu an-nāri wa ashhābu al-jannah. Ashhābu al-jannati hum al-fā'izūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes an absolute distinction between the inhabitants of the Fire and the inhabitants of Paradise, declaring that they are in no way equal, with the people of Paradise being the ultimate victors and achievers of success. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this comparison underscores the complete contrast between the eternal reward of the righteous and the eternal punishment of the disbelievers, serving as a powerful motivation for believers to strive for righteousness. The ayah uses the rhetorical device of rhetorical question (implicitly: how could they ever be equal?) to drive home the permanence and reality of these two distinct eternal states.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Hashr, a Medinan chapter addressing the consequences of the exile of Banu Nadir (the Jewish tribe of Medina). In this broader context, the ayah transitions from discussing worldly consequences to eternal spiritual realities, reminding believers that true success is measured not by temporal victories but by final judgment and Paradise.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The people of Paradise will be seventy thousand times more numerous than the people of Hell.' (Tirmidhi 2545). Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger and establishes prayer and gives zakah, it is upon Allah to admit him into Paradise' (Sahih Bukhari 392), reinforcing the conditions for becoming among the successful inhabitants of Paradise.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that worldly distinctions and momentary inequalities pale in comparison to the eternal reality that awaits humanity—a sobering reminder to prioritize faith and righteous deeds over temporary gains, and to understand that true success (falah) is ultimately measured by entry into Paradise, not by earthly prosperity or status.