وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلْحُطَمَةُ 5
Translations
And what can make you know what is the Crusher?
Transliteration
Wa mā adrika mā al-huṭamah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rhetorically introduces the concept of Al-Huṭamah (the Crusher), one of the names for Hell, emphasizing that human understanding cannot fully comprehend its nature and severity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Allah uses this rhetorical device to draw attention to the gravity of the punishment awaiting the arrogant wealthy who ridicule the poor, making the listener ponder deeply on what this punishment truly entails.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Humazah, a Meccan surah revealed to condemn the behavior of wealthy Meccans who mocked and belittled the poor believers. The surah specifically targets 'Al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah and similar figures. This particular ayah marks the transition from describing the sinner's behavior to describing their ultimate punishment, serving as a stark warning of divine retribution.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Fire has seventy thousand veils, each veil is seventy years' journey in thickness' (reported in various hadith collections with similar chains). Additionally, hadith literature emphasizes that mocking and ridiculing believers is a grave sin leading to severe punishment, as referenced in Surah Al-Humazah's overall context.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the consequences of arrogance, wealth-based pride, and mockery of others are far more severe than we can imagine, serving as a powerful deterrent against such behavior. It emphasizes that true understanding of divine justice and punishment belongs to Allah alone, encouraging humility and compassion toward all people regardless of wealth or status.