إِنِّىٓ أُرِيدُ أَن تَبُوٓأَ بِإِثْمِى وَإِثْمِكَ فَتَكُونَ مِنْ أَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 29
Translations
Indeed, I want you to obtain [thereby] my sin and your sin so you will be among the companions of the Fire. And that is the recompense of wrongdoers."
Transliteration
Innee oreedu an taboo'a bi-ithmi wa-ithmiKa fatakoon min ashaab an-nar. Wa-dhalika jazaa'u az-zaalimeen.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the words of Abel (Habil) to his brother Cain (Qabil) after Cain refused to accept Abel's refusal to reciprocate his aggression. Abel expresses his willingness to bear the burden of sin for both himself and Cain rather than commit murder, stating he prefers to be punished in Hell than to become an oppressor like his brother. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as Abel's noble character and steadfastness against committing sin, even at the cost of his own life, demonstrating that true piety lies in patience and submission to Allah rather than retaliation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the story of Cain and Abel (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:27-32), which serves as a Quranic narrative warning against envy, aggression, and murder. The Medinan context of this surah emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the gravity of unjust killing, themes particularly relevant to establishing justice in the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The first judgment between people on the Day of Judgment will be regarding bloodshed' (Sahih Bukhari 6533). Additionally, the story illustrates the principle mentioned in a hadith that 'Whoever kills a soul... it is as if he has killed all of mankind' (referenced in 5:32, immediately following this ayah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that maintaining righteousness and refusing to oppress others—even when faced with aggression—is superior to self-defense through violence, and that true strength lies in patient endurance and trust in Allah's justice. It reminds believers that the preservation of human life is sacred, and one should bear personal harm rather than become a perpetrator of injustice.