بَلْ يُرِيدُ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ لِيَفْجُرَ أَمَامَهُۥ 5
Translations
But man desires to continue in sin.
Transliteration
Bal yurīdu al-insānu li-yafjura amāmahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'Rather, man desires to continue in sin ahead of him,' referring to humanity's inclination toward transgression and evil desires without restraint. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as describing the human tendency to persist in disobedience and reject divine guidance, continuing in sinful behavior unrepentantly. The verse emphasizes that despite knowing the consequences, humans often choose to follow their base desires rather than submit to Allah's commandments.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Qiyamah (The Resurrection), a Meccan surah that emphasizes the reality of the Day of Judgment and human accountability. The surah's broader context addresses denial of the resurrection and the Day of Judgment, with this particular verse highlighting the human propensity for rebellion and sin as evidence of the need for accountability before Allah.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 4638: The Prophet (ﷺ) said 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.' This contrasts with the ayah's depiction of humanity's inclination toward continuous sin. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah 4246 relates to human desires overwhelming judgment: 'Whoever follows his desires, Allah will make his eyes blind to guidance.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a reminder that our natural inclinations without divine guidance lead toward harm and transgression, emphasizing the necessity of conscious resistance to base desires and steadfast adherence to Islamic principles. It calls believers to recognize their vulnerability to sin and the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and protection through sincere repentance and obedience.