إِنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرْكِ ٱلْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا 145
Translations
Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper -
Transliteration
Inna al-munafiqīna fī ad-darki al-asfali mina an-nāri wa-lan tajida lahum nāsīrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that hypocrites (munafiqun) will occupy the lowest level of Hell, emphasizing their severe punishment and degradation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that hypocrites receive harsher punishment than open disbelievers because they combined disbelief with deception and betrayal of the Muslim community. The statement "you will never find for them any helper" underscores their complete abandonment and isolation on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nisa was revealed in Medina during a period when hypocrites were prevalent in the Muslim community, particularly those who outwardly professed Islam while harboring doubt or hostility. This ayah is part of a broader passage (4:138-145) addressing the characteristics and ultimate fate of hypocrites, warning the believers against their influence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah, and the next is hypocrisy' (related in various forms). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet described hypocrites as having certain identifying characteristics, emphasizing that hypocrisy is among the gravest spiritual diseases.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that outward conformity without sincere faith is the gravest spiritual deception, and believers must guard against hypocrisy in their own hearts while maintaining vigilance against those who would undermine the community from within. It reminds us that ultimately, no one can help us except Allah, making sincere faith and genuine commitment essential.