وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱلنَّارَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 131
Translations
And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the disbelievers.
Transliteration
Wa-ttaqū an-nāra al-latī u'iddat lil-kāfirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to fear and protect themselves from the Fire of Hell, which has been prepared for the disbelievers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the imperative to fear the Fire serves as both a warning against disbelief and a motivation for righteous conduct, emphasizing that the consequences of rejecting faith are severe and eternal. Al-Qurtubi notes that while the Fire is specifically prepared for the disbelievers (al-kāfirūn), the command to fear it applies to all Muslims as an exhortation to maintain piety and avoid actions that lead away from faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's broader discussion of faith, accountability, and the consequences of belief and disbelief. It follows verses emphasizing God's attributes and precedes verses about the characteristics of the righteous, forming part of the surah's systematic instruction on Islamic belief and practice in the Medinan period.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Fire has complained to its Lord saying: O Lord, my parts have eaten one another.' So Allah allowed it two breaths—one in winter and one in summer' (Sahih Bukhari 3260). Additionally, the Prophet warned: 'Save yourselves from the Fire even with half a date' (Sahih Bukhari 1417), emphasizing proactive protection against Hell.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that genuine fear of Allah and His punishment should motivate constant self-examination and righteous behavior in this life. The reminder that Hell is prepared for those who reject faith should inspire Muslims to strengthen their belief, seek knowledge of Islam, and guard against spiritual complacency.