خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ 88
Translations
Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved,
Transliteration
Khālidīna fīhā lā yukhaffafu 'anhumu al-'adhābu wa lā hum yunẓarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the eternal punishment of disbelievers in Hell, emphasizing that their torment will neither be reduced nor will they be granted respite or delay. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a definitive statement about the permanence and unrelenting nature of divine punishment for those who reject faith and persist in disbelief, highlighting both the justice and severity of Allah's judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of the consequences of rejecting divine signs and the fate of disbelievers. The broader context (verses 85-88) addresses those who reject Islam despite clear knowledge, emphasizing that such rejection carries grave eternal consequences. This theme recurs throughout the Medinan surahs as the Muslim community faced opposition from various groups.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the people of Hell: 'A time will come upon the people of Hell that they will hope for relief, but they will find no relief.' (Sahih Muslim 2851). Additionally, the Quran emphasizes in 5:37 that disbelievers will wish to exit Hell but cannot, reinforcing this ayah's meaning.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of rejecting divine guidance and the reality of accountability in the afterlife. For believers, it reinforces the importance of gratitude for faith and steadfastness, while offering a warning about the eternal consequences of turning away from truth despite clear understanding.
Related Ayahs
وَإِنَّ كُلًّا لَّمَّا لَيُوَفِّيَنَّهُمْ رَبُّكَ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
And indeed, each [of the believers and disbelievers] - your Lord will fully compensate them for their deeds. Indeed, He is Aware of what they do.
ٱنطَلِقُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَا كُنتُم بِهِۦ تُكَذِّبُونَ
[They will be told], "Proceed to that which you used to deny.
وَكُلُّهُمْ ءَاتِيهِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فَرْدًا
And all of them are coming to Him on the Day of Resurrection alone.
وَأَنِ ٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَٱحْذَرْهُمْ أَن يَفْتِنُوكَ عَنۢ بَعْضِ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُصِيبَهُم بِبَعْضِ ذُنُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَفَـٰسِقُونَ
And judge, [O Muḥammad], between them by what Allāh has revealed and do not follow their inclinations and beware of them, lest they tempt you away from some of what Allāh has revealed to you. And if they turn away - then know that Allāh only intends to afflict them with some of their [own] sins. And indeed, many among the people are defiantly disobedient.