كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ كَانَ سَيِّئُهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّكَ مَكْرُوهًا 38
Translations
All that [i.e., the aforementioned] - its evil is ever, in the sight of your Lord, detested.
Transliteration
Kullu dhālika kāna sayyi'uhū 'inda rabbika makrūhā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes a passage about moral prohibitions, affirming that all the evil deeds mentioned previously (arrogance, pride, and other vices) are disliked and abhorrent in the sight of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that Allah's displeasure is not arbitrary but based on the inherent evil nature of these sins, establishing that such vices contradict the divine will and moral order. The phrase 'sayyi'uhū' (the evil of it/him) refers to the sinful aspect of these behaviors, which Allah abhors and will punish.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Isra's broader ethical guidance revealed in Mecca, where Allah instructs believers on moral conduct and character. It specifically concludes a passage (17:23-38) addressing various moral injunctions including respect for parents, proper treatment of the needy, and avoidance of arrogance and wastefulness. The context emphasizes comprehensive moral reform in a polytheistic society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done continuously, even if they are small' (Sahih Bukhari 6464), which reinforces the importance of consistent avoidance of these disliked behaviors. Additionally, 'Verily, Allah hates the proud and the arrogant' is referenced in multiple hadith collections regarding the vice of arrogance (kibr) mentioned in the preceding verses.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's judgment of our actions is perfectly just and based on their true nature—evil deeds are inherently disliked by Him because they harm our spiritual development and social harmony. We should constantly strive to purify our intentions and actions, recognizing that seemingly small vices like arrogance and wastefulness carry real weight in Allah's sight.
Related Ayahs
قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ أَوِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُوا۟ فَلَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَٱبْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا
Say, "Call upon Allāh or call upon the Most Merciful [ar-Raḥmān]. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names." And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that an [intermediate] way.
وَأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
And that those who do not believe in the Hereafter - We have prepared for them a painful punishment.
سُنَّةَ مَن قَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَا ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ لِسُنَّتِنَا تَحْوِيلًا
[That is Our] established way for those We had sent before you of Our messengers; and you will not find in Our way any alteration.
مَّنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا ۚ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۗ وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا
Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.