وَعَرَضْنَا جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَرْضًا 100
Translations
And We will present Hell that Day to the disbelievers, on display -
Transliteration
Wa-'aradna jahannama yawma'idhin lil-kafireena 'ardan
Tafsir (Explanation)
On the Day of Judgment, Allah will present Hell (Jahannam) before the disbelievers in a manifest and unavoidable way, making its reality undeniable to them. Ibn Kathir explains that this presentation is a form of severe punishment and humiliation, where the disbelievers will witness Hell with their own eyes before entering it. Al-Tabari notes that the word 'ardan (عرضاً) emphasizes the clear and open display of this punishment, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter part of Surah Al-Kahf, which contrasts the stories of believers and disbelievers throughout human history. The surah emphasizes themes of faith, trial, and the ultimate justice of Allah. This particular ayah concludes a section addressing those who reject Allah's signs, contextualizing the fate awaiting them on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Fire will be displayed to the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, and they will wish they had obeyed Allah.' (Thematically related to various accounts in Sahih Muslim and Tirmidhi regarding scenes of the Day of Judgment)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of faith carries severe eternal consequences, and should motivate sincere repentance and steadfastness in belief. For modern readers, it emphasizes accountability before Allah and the importance of using this worldly life to obey Him before facing the inescapable reality of the Hereafter.
Related Ayahs
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَيُدْخِلُهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ فِى رَحْمَتِهِۦ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْمُبِينُ
So as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is what is the clear attainment.
يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْوَدَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ أَكَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَـٰنِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
On the Day [some] faces will turn white and [some] faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black, [to them it will be said], "Did you disbelieve [i.e., reject faith] after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject."
فَإِذَا ٱلنُّجُومُ طُمِسَتْ
So when the stars are obliterated
وَإِلَى ٱلْجِبَالِ كَيْفَ نُصِبَتْ
And at the mountains - how they are erected?