ٱلَّتِى تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى ٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةِ 7
Translations
Which mounts directed at the hearts.
Transliteration
Al-latee tattali'u 'ala al-af'idah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the fire of Jahannam that penetrates the hearts of the inhabitants of Hell, metaphorically depicting how the punishment reaches deep into their consciousness and essence. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'tattali'u' (penetrates/reaches) as the fire's ability to consume not just the body but to reach the innermost core of one's being. The phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine punishment for those who engaged in traducing and backbiting in the worldly life.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Humazah is a Meccan surah that denounces the behavior of those who engage in slander, mockery, and the accumulation of wealth with arrogance. This particular ayah appears in the description of Hell's punishment, serving as a powerful deterrent against the vices mentioned in the surah's opening verses. The context moves from warning against moral corruption to illustrating the severe consequences in the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Backbiting is worse than fornication. A man may commit fornication and repent to Allah, and Allah accepts his repentance, but the backbiter does not leave the Fire until his backbiting has been forgiven by the one he backbit.' (Reported in various collections with similar wordings). This relates to why those who engaged in traducing face such penetrating punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a stark reminder that sins of the tongue—particularly backbiting and slander—carry severe spiritual consequences that extend beyond temporal harm, penetrating the very soul. Believers should guard their speech and hearts from traducing others, understanding that Allah's justice encompasses both the seen and unseen dimensions of our actions.