وَأَنَّ عَذَابِى هُوَ ٱلْعَذَابُ ٱلْأَلِيمُ 50
Translations
And that it is My punishment which is the painful punishment.
Transliteration
Wa anna 'adhabi huwa al-'adhab al-alim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah's punishment is indeed a painful and severe torment, serving as a solemn warning to those who reject His signs and disobey His commands. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse underscores the reality and gravity of divine punishment in the Hereafter, particularly for those who persist in disbelief and transgression. The word 'alim (painful/agonizing) is used to convey the intensity and lasting nature of this punishment, distinguishing it from temporal worldly suffering.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Hijr, a Meccan surah that addresses the fundamental Islamic concepts of Tawhid (monotheism), prophethood, and the reality of the Hereafter. The verse is part of a broader discourse where Allah warns disbelievers of the consequences of their rejection, providing balance between Allah's mercy mentioned earlier in the surah (15:49) and His justice through punishment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a hadith: 'The least punishment of the people of the Fire will be to have shoes of fire put on them, which will boil the blood in their heads' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Quran frequently reiterates the severity of divine punishment, as mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj 22:47, reinforcing this theme throughout Islamic teachings.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound reminder that disobedience to Allah carries real and lasting consequences, encouraging believers to reflect on their actions and seek repentance. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of taking divine warnings seriously and developing God-consciousness (taqwa) as a protective shield against straying from the righteous path.