إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ قَالُوٓا۟ أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ ٱللَّهِ وَٰسِعَةً فَتُهَاجِرُوا۟ فِيهَا ۚ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ مَأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَسَآءَتْ مَصِيرًا 97
Translations
Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves - [the angels] will say, "In what [condition] were you?" They will say, "We were oppressed in the land." They [the angels] will say, "Was not the earth of Allāh spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?" For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil it is as a destination.
Transliteration
Inna alladhina tawaffayhum al-mala'ikatu zhalimy anfusihim qalu fim kuntum qalu kunna mustada'afin fi al-ard qalu alam taku ardu Allahi waasi'atan fatahajarru fiha fa-ula'ika ma'wahum jahannam wa-sa'at masiran
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses those who remained in Mecca despite persecution, failing to emigrate (hijrah) to Medina despite having the ability to do so. When the angels take their souls at death, they question their inaction, and these individuals respond that they were weak and oppressed. The angels refute this excuse by pointing out that Allah's earth is vast and migration was possible. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah establishes hijrah as an obligation when one can practice Islam freely elsewhere, and that weakness or oppression is not an acceptable excuse when safe passage exists.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period (after 622 CE) and addresses the obligation of hijrah. It responds to those who stayed behind in Mecca without valid excuse, particularly after the Prophet's migration to Medina made safety and religious freedom possible. The broader context of Surah An-Nisa concerns women's rights, family matters, and social responsibilities, with this ayah fitting within discussions of religious obligation and accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of my ummah are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them' (Sahih Bukhari, 3651). Additionally, the concept of hijrah's importance is reinforced in numerous hadiths including: 'Whoever emigrates in the way of Allah will find in the earth many a refuge and abundance' (Surah An-Nisa 4:100, referenced with supporting hadith traditions in Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that believers have a responsibility to seek religious freedom and safe practice of Islam, and that claiming oppression or weakness without making genuine effort to change one's circumstances is not a valid excuse before Allah. Modern readers should reflect on their own spiritual migration—moving away from environments and habits that corrupt their faith—and understand that Allah provides means and opportunities for those who genuinely seek His path.