تَبَّتْ يَدَآ أَبِى لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ 1
Translations
May the hands of Abū Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he.
Transliteration
Tabbat yada Abi Lahab wa tabb
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah invokes destruction and ruin upon the hands and entire self of Abu Lahab, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was among the fiercest opponents of Islam. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'tabbat yada' (may his hands be destroyed) is an expression of curse, as Abu Lahab used his hands and wealth to harm the Prophet and spread enmity against Islam. The repetition of 'tabb' (ruin/destruction) emphasizes the completeness of his perdition both in this world and the hereafter.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca and is entirely focused on Abu Lahab (whose real name was Abdul-Uzza ibn Abdul-Muttalib), the Prophet's uncle who consistently opposed him and mocked the message of Islam. The surah was revealed as a direct response to his persistent hostility and rejection of Islam, making it unique as a chapter entirely dedicated to condemning a single individual.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding Abu Lahab's wife Umm Jamila: 'She will not enter Paradise,' emphasizing the fate of those who actively persecute believers. Additionally, historical reports indicate that Abu Lahab died within days after this surah was revealed, fulfilling its prophecy of swift punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah demonstrates that those who persistently oppose God's message and harm His servants face inevitable ruin, while reminding believers that Divine justice ultimately prevails—a source of comfort for the early Muslim community facing persecution, and a warning to all generations about the consequences of stubborn rejection of truth.