Al-Qasas · Ayah 41

وَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ ۖ وَيَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ لَا يُنصَرُونَ 41

Translations

And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped.

Transliteration

Wa ja'alnāhum a'immatan yad'ūna ilā an-nāri wa yawma al-qiyāmati lā yunṣarūn

Tafsir (Explanation)

This ayah refers to the leaders and guides of disbelief who call people towards the Hellfire through their false teachings and misguidence. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these are the chiefs of kufr who use their positions of influence to lead others astray, and on the Day of Judgment they will receive no help or support from anyone, bearing the consequences of their deviance and that of those they misled. The term 'a'immah' (leaders/imams) here signifies those who set the example and direction for others to follow in misguidance.

Revelation Context

This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qasas, which presents the story of Musa (Moses) and his struggle against Pharaoh's tyranny. The broader context discusses those who reject truth and lead nations into destruction. This particular ayah addresses the reality that those who hold power and use it to spread falsehood will face severe punishment and abandonment on the Day of Judgment, contrasting with the ultimate victory of the righteous.

Related Hadiths

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward similar to that of its doer, and whoever leads someone to evil will have a burden of sin similar to that of its doer.' (Sahih Muslim 1893). This hadith complements the ayah by emphasizing the responsibility of those in positions of leadership and influence.

Themes

Leadership and moral responsibilityConsequences of spreading falsehood and misguidanceDivine justice on the Day of JudgmentAbandonment and helplessness of the transgressorsThe danger of following false leaders

Key Lesson

This ayah serves as a warning that positions of influence carry immense spiritual responsibility—those who use their authority to mislead others will face severe consequences without any support or intercession. For believers, it emphasizes the importance of carefully scrutinizing their leaders and sources of guidance, ensuring they align with truth and divine guidance rather than following those who lead toward destruction.

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