أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَهُمْ سُوٓءُ ٱلْعَذَابِ وَهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمُ ٱلْأَخْسَرُونَ 5
Translations
Those are the ones for whom there will be the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they are the greatest losers.
Transliteration
Ulaa'ika alladhina lahum soo'u al-'adhab wa-hum fi al-aakhirah hum al-akhsaroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who reject faith and turn away from Allah's signs, condemning them to severe punishment in the afterlife. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as addressing the disbelievers of Mecca who stubbornly rejected the Prophet Muhammad's message despite clear evidence. The phrase 'al-akhsaroon' (the greatest losers) emphasizes that their loss is not merely material but existential—they have forfeited eternal paradise for temporary worldly gains.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naml is a Meccan surah revealed during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet. This ayah appears in the context of verses discussing the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. It serves as a warning to the disbelievers of Mecca about the inevitable punishment awaiting those who persist in denying the truth despite receiving clear signs.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to Hadith Qudsi: 'O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I have forgiven you for what you have done, and I do not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.' (Tirmidhi) - illustrating the gravity of rejecting mercy. Also relevant is the hadith about the Day of Judgment where people will regret their choices (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the greatest loss in the afterlife is not poverty or hardship in this world, but the loss of Allah's favor and paradise due to turning away from His guidance. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of sincerely seeking truth and responding to divine signs before it is too late.