خَـٰشِعَةً أَبْصَـٰرُهُمْ تَرْهَقُهُمْ ذِلَّةٌ ۖ وَقَدْ كَانُوا۟ يُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى ٱلسُّجُودِ وَهُمْ سَـٰلِمُونَ 43
Translations
Their eyes humbled, humiliation will cover them. And they used to be invited to prostration while they were sound.
Transliteration
Khashi'atan absaruhum tarhaqu-hum dhillah wa qad kanu yud'awna ila al-sujudi wa hum salimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the state of disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, their eyes cast down in humiliation and shame, despite having been invited to prostrate (in prayer and obedience) during their lifetime when they were safe and able. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects the ultimate regret and degradation of those who rejected the clear signs of Allah and refused to worship Him when given the opportunity in this world. The contrast between their worldly comfort and rejection versus their eternal humiliation emphasizes the justice of divine punishment.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qalam (Chapter 68), a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers of Mecca who rejected the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his message. The broader context of the surah deals with the hereafter, resurrection, and the fate of believers versus disbelievers, specifically responding to the Quraysh's mockery of the Prophet.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (narrated by Abu Hurayrah) mentions that on the Day of Judgment, every soul will know what it has sent forward and kept back, relating to the accountability referenced in this ayah. Additionally, hadith regarding the obligation of prayer and prostration (sujud) in this life as preparation for the hereafter appear in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true security and honor lie in obedience to Allah during our earthly life, and that rejecting His guidance—no matter how comfortable one may be in this world—leads to ultimate shame and regret. For believers, it serves as a reminder to seize the opportunity to worship and submit to Allah while we have the chance, as the chance is finite and the consequences eternal.