فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ 24
Translations
So give them tidings of a painful punishment,
Transliteration
Fa-bashshir-hum bi-'adhaabin aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet to give tidings of painful punishment to those who reject the divine message and turn away from guidance. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as a stern warning to disbelievers, emphasizing that their rejection of truth will inevitably result in severe torment in the Hereafter. The word 'bashshir' (give tidings) is used ironically here—what appears as good news linguistically becomes a terrifying proclamation of doom for those who persist in disbelief.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Inshiqaq was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's message. This ayah comes near the end of the surah, which emphasizes themes of resurrection, divine accountability, and the fate of believers and disbelievers. The context reflects the broader Meccan period's focus on warning of the Day of Judgment and consequences for those who reject the message.
Related Hadiths
Related to the theme of warning disbelievers: The Prophet said, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, themes of punishment for rejecting guidance appear in Surah At-Taghabun 64:10 regarding Hell being prepared for disbelievers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the importance of accepting divine guidance and the grave consequences of persistent rejection; it also underscores the Prophet's role in clearly communicating both good tidings for believers and warnings for disbelievers, encouraging us to take such warnings seriously and reflect on our spiritual state.