إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُتْرَفِينَ 45
Translations
Indeed they were, before that, indulging in affluence,
Transliteration
Innahum kanoo qabla dhaalika mutrafeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the inhabitants of Hell were previously living in luxury and extravagance (taraf) in the worldly life, yet they squandered this blessing by turning away from divine guidance. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this refers to those who were given wealth and comfort but used these blessings arrogantly and rejected the message of the Quran, thereby earning their punishment. The verse emphasizes that material abundance without spiritual rectitude and obedience to Allah leads to destruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Waqi'ah's description of the people of Hell and their state on the Day of Judgment. It forms part of the broader Meccan context addressing the wealthy and arrogant disbelievers of Mecca who possessed material comforts yet refused to acknowledge Allah's oneness, serving as a warning about the ephemeral nature of worldly luxury.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those of my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.' (Sahih Bukhari 3650) - relating to how earlier generations misused blessings. Also relevant: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better.' (Quran 18:46, referenced in Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3334).
Themes
Key Lesson
Material prosperity is a test from Allah, and those who neglect spiritual responsibility and divine guidance, regardless of their wealth, will face severe consequences. We must recognize that earthly comforts are temporary trusts, and their true value lies only in how they are used to obey Allah and serve His cause.