إِلَّآ أَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلْيَمِينِ 39
Translations
Except the companions of the right,.
Transliteration
Illā ashāb al-yamīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase means 'except the People of the Right Hand,' referring to the righteous believers who will be granted paradise on the Day of Judgment. In the context of Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:39-40), this ayah provides an exception to the preceding verses about the punishment of the disbelievers in Hell, emphasizing that only those who rejected faith and lived in sin will face torment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that 'the People of the Right Hand' (Ashāb al-Yamīn) is a Quranic designation for the blessed inhabitants of Paradise, contrasting with 'the People of the Left Hand' (Ashāb al-Shimāl) who are condemned to Hell.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam, addressing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and warning the disbelievers of Mecca about the consequences of rejecting the message. This ayah appears within the broader context of vivid descriptions of Hellfire and the fate of those who turn away from faith, providing solace to believers by reminding them of their ultimate reward.
Related Hadiths
The concept of the 'People of the Right Hand' is reinforced in numerous hadiths describing Paradise. A related hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Tawheed) describes how the righteous will be honored and brought to Paradise, while another in Sahih Muslim discusses the stations and rewards of the People of the Right Hand in the afterlife.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that despite the warnings of punishment for the disbelieving, Allah's mercy is reserved for those who have faith and righteousness; it should inspire Muslims to strive for righteous deeds and steadfastness in faith, knowing their ultimate reward awaits them in Paradise.