ثُمَّ ذَهَبَ إِلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهِۦ يَتَمَطَّىٰٓ 33
Translations
And then he went to his people, swaggering [in pride].
Transliteration
Thumma dhahaba ilá ahlihi yatamattá
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a disbeliever who, after witnessing the signs of the Day of Judgment, turns away and goes to his family walking with pride and arrogance (yatamattá - strutting, swaggering). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this depicts the heedlessness and spiritual blindness of those who reject the truth despite clear evidence. The arrogant gait symbolizes his rejection and disdain for the divine message, preferring worldly comfort and family attachments over obedience to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qiyamah, a Meccan surah focusing on the certainty of the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment. It comes in the context of describing the scenes of the Last Day and humanity's reaction to it. The specific passage (75:32-40) depicts a denier who, despite witnessing the cosmic upheaval at resurrection, stubbornly rejects Allah's signs and chooses arrogance and complacency instead.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Muslim wherein the Prophet ﷺ warned against arrogance (kibr), stating that pride will not enter Paradise. Additionally, hadiths in Sunan Ibn Majah describe the punishment of those who turn away from divine guidance despite its clarity, reflecting the theme of willful rejection depicted in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a warning that merely hearing or witnessing the truth is insufficient without humble acceptance and submission to Allah; arrogance and pride prevent the heart from accepting guidance, making one's deeds void regardless of social status or family ties.