وَكَذَّبَ بِٱلْحُسْنَىٰ 9
Translations
And denies the best [reward],
Transliteration
Wa-kaddaba bil-husnaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who reject and deny the best way (al-husnaa), which according to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari refers to the message of Islam, the Qur'an, or the path of righteousness and good. The verb 'kaddaba' (denied/rejected) emphasizes deliberate disbelief despite knowledge of the truth. This rejection is presented as the characteristic of those destined for the Fire, contrasting with the previous ayah about those who give in charity and fear Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Layl is a Meccan surah that presents two paths: the way of the righteous who give charity and believe in Al-Husnaa (Paradise/the best reward), and the way of the denier who rejects truth. This ayah falls within the latter description, illustrating the ultimate destination of those who turn away from divine guidance despite its clarity.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (1188) where the Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best of you are those who believe in Allah and treat people well' relates to the positive counterpart (those who embrace al-husnaa). Additionally, Surah Al-Layl's context connects to the hadith about the two paths presented to humans.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejecting divine guidance is not merely intellectual disagreement but a deliberate turning away that carries serious spiritual consequences; it serves as a warning to reflect on our acceptance or rejection of truth and to examine our hearts' sincerity toward righteousness.