بَلْ قُلُوبُهُمْ فِى غَمْرَةٍ مِّنْ هَـٰذَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْمَـٰلٌ مِّن دُونِ ذَٰلِكَ هُمْ لَهَا عَـٰمِلُونَ 63
Translations
But their hearts are covered with confusion over this, and they have [evil] deeds besides that [i.e., disbelief] which they are doing,
Transliteration
Bal qulubuhum fee ghimratin min hadha wa lahum a'malun min duni dhalika hum laha 'amilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes those who turn away from the message of faith as having hearts immersed in heedlessness and darkness regarding the truth of Allah's message. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, they are preoccupied with worldly pursuits and deeds unrelated to obedience to Allah, actively engaging in these distractions. The phrase 'ghimrah' (غمرة - heedlessness/oblivion) indicates a state of complete immersion in ignorance, preventing them from understanding or accepting divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Mu'minun, which discusses the characteristics of true believers and contrasts them with those who reject faith. It specifically addresses the spiritual blindness and preoccupation with worldly matters that prevent disbelievers from accepting the Quran and the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The broader surah emphasizes the consequences of negligence toward divine signs.
Related Hadiths
1) 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027) - contrasting those who engage in beneficial knowledge versus mere worldly pursuits. 2) 'The heart rusts as does iron when water touches it; the rust of the heart is heedlessness and forgetfulness' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3334) - directly related to the concept of hearts in darkness/غمرة.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns believers against becoming so absorbed in worldly activities and material concerns that they neglect their spiritual development and connection with Allah. It serves as a reminder to regularly examine our hearts and intentions, ensuring that our deeds are directed toward pleasing Allah rather than being mere worldly pursuits driven by heedlessness.