وَصَـٰحِبَتِهِۦ وَأَخِيهِ 12
Translations
And his wife and his brother
Transliteration
wa-sāhibatih wa-akhīh
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase refers to a person's companion (wife) and brother, mentioned in the context of those who will not be able to help on the Day of Judgment. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes that despite the closeness of familial and spousal relationships in this life, no one will be able to assist another on the Day of Resurrection—each soul will be preoccupied with its own reckoning. The mention of these specific relationships illustrates that even the dearest bonds cannot intercede or provide refuge when facing Allah's justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij (Meccan chapter), which describes the Day of Judgment and the conditions of that day. The broader context (verses 10-18) lists categories of people and relationships that will not benefit on that Day, serving as a stark reminder to the Meccan disbelievers of the reality of the Afterlife and the accountability each person must face individually.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'On the Day of Judgment, a man will flee from his brother, his mother, his father, and his wife and children' (Sahih Bukhari 6563). This directly parallels the ayah's message about the separation of loved ones.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while family and marital bonds are sacred in this life, they offer no protection in the Afterlife; therefore, one must prioritize righteous deeds and God-consciousness in preparation for the Day of Judgment rather than relying on worldly connections.
Related Ayahs
لَا تَجْـَٔرُوا۟ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ إِنَّكُم مِّنَّا لَا تُنصَرُونَ
Do not cry out today. Indeed, by Us you will not be helped.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوْا۟ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَضْعَفُ نَاصِرًا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدًا
[The disbelievers continue] until, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who is weaker in helpers and less in number.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ نَاكِسُوا۟ رُءُوسِهِمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ رَبَّنَآ أَبْصَرْنَا وَسَمِعْنَا فَٱرْجِعْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَـٰلِحًا إِنَّا مُوقِنُونَ
If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their heads before their Lord, [saying], "Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us [to the world]; we will work righteousness. Indeed, we are [now] certain."
يَـٰعِبَادِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ وَلَآ أَنتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ
[To whom Allāh will say], "O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you grieve,