بَشِّرِ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا 138
Translations
Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment -
Transliteration
Bashshir al-munafiqeen bi-anna lahum adhaban aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to give glad tidings (bashshir) to the hypocrites (munafiqun) of a painful punishment awaiting them in the Hereafter. The use of 'bashshir' (give good news) is employed ironically here—what is good news for the believers is torment for those who conceal faith while outwardly professing it. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this severe warning emphasizes that hypocrisy is among the gravest sins, as the hypocrites' deception of both Allah and His community will result in the lowest depths of Hellfire.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa's extended discussion of hypocrites (ayahs 138-145), revealed in Medina during a period when the Muslim community faced significant threats from those who feigned belief while secretly undermining the message. The broader context addresses the characteristics and ultimate fate of hypocrites who refused sincere commitment to Islam despite living among the believers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The hypocrite is like a sheep between two flocks—he goes with this one and that one.' (Sahih Muslim 2784). Additionally, Surah At-Tawbah 9:68 describes the hypocrites' punishment: 'Allah has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the disbelievers the fire of Hell, wherein they will abide eternally.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that sincere faith cannot be feigned before Allah—He knows what lies in hearts—and that outward compliance without inner conviction leads to severe consequences. It serves as a powerful deterrent against spiritual duplicity and encourages genuine, wholehearted commitment to Islamic principles.