ثُمَّ عَبَسَ وَبَسَرَ 22
Translations
Then he frowned and scowled;
Transliteration
Thumma 'abasa wa basara
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the arrogant response of a disbeliever (traditionally identified as Umayyah ibn Khalaf or another Meccan notable) when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) approached him to invite him to Islam. The verbs 'abasa (frowned/showed anger) and basara (twisted his face/showed displeasure) depict his contemptuous rejection and hostile demeanor toward the divine message. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this reflects the stubborn pride of those who rejected the message due to their worldly status and arrogance.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the opening narrative of Surah Al-Muddaththir, which recounts an incident where the Prophet attempted to call someone of high social standing to Islam, but was met with disdain and dismissal. The surah criticizes the arrogance and haughtiness of the Meccan elite who prioritized their social position over accepting divine guidance. This reflects the broader Meccan context where the wealthy and influential often rejected the Prophet's message.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly narrates this specific moment's details with complete unanimity on the identity of the person, the general theme relates to Hadith Qudsi about Allah's displeasure with arrogance. Related is the Hadith: 'Arrogance is rejecting the truth and despising people' (Sahih Muslim 91).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns against allowing worldly status, wealth, or social position to become barriers to accepting truth and divine guidance. The disgust shown by those who reject the message out of pride ultimately reflects their own spiritual blindness and will lead to accountability before Allah.