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.