ٱلَّذِينَ يَجْعَلُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ ۚ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ 96
Translations
Who make [equal] with Allāh another deity. But they are going to know.
Transliteration
Alladhina yaj'aluna ma'a Allahi ilahan akhara fasawfa ya'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who associate partners with Allah in worship (mushrikun), warning them that they will soon come to know the consequences of their shirk on the Day of Judgment. Ibn Kathir explains that the phrase 'fasawfa ya'lamun' (they will soon know) is a threat indicating they will face severe punishment when they witness the truth of Allah's oneness and their error becomes manifest. Al-Tabari notes this serves as both a warning to the disbelievers and a reassurance to the believers that Allah's justice will ultimately prevail.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hijr is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when polytheism was prevalent in Arabia. This ayah appears in a passage addressing the Quraysh and other Arab tribes who rejected monotheism and clung to idol worship. The broader context of the surah emphasizes Allah's oneness and the futility of associating partners with Him.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever meets Allah without associating anything with Him will enter Paradise, and whoever meets Him associating partners with Him will enter the Fire.' (Sahih Muslim 93). Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari, it is reported that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the greatest sin and will not be forgiven unless one repents.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah emphasizes that associating partners with Allah is a grave transgression with eternal consequences, while offering hope through the word 'soon'—reminding believers that Allah's justice is certain and encouraging repentance before the final reckoning. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that monotheistic conviction is the foundation of faith, and that sincerity in worship to Allah alone is essential for salvation.