مَا لَكُمْ لَا تَنَاصَرُونَ 25
Translations
[They will be asked], "What is [wrong] with you? Why do you not help each other?"
Transliteration
Ma lakum la tanasarun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is Allah's rhetorical question to the polytheists on the Day of Judgment, asking them why they are not helping or defending one another despite their false deities and mutual alliances in the worldly life. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this serves as a powerful reminder of the isolation and helplessness each soul will face before Allah, as all worldly bonds and relationships based on falsehood will be severed. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this question underscores the futility of relying on partners (shirk) and the importance of monotheism.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat's depiction of the Day of Judgment and the fate of disbelievers. The surah presents vivid scenes of the afterlife where the illusions and false supports of the disbelievers are stripped away, leaving them defenseless and unable to aid one another—a stark contrast to their earthly arrogance and mutual support in polytheism.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim narrated by Abu Hurairah states that on the Day of Judgment, a person's only intercession will be their deeds, and family relations will be of no avail. This theme complements the ayah's message about the inability of others to help or defend one another in the hereafter.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that reliance on false deities, worldly relationships based on falsehood, or dependence on others for salvation is ultimately futile; only genuine faith in Allah and righteous deeds will avail us on the Day of Judgment. It serves as a profound warning to prioritize our relationship with Allah alone and recognize that every soul will stand accountable before Him.
Related Ayahs
هَـٰذَا فَوْجٌ مُّقْتَحِمٌ مَّعَكُمْ ۖ لَا مَرْحَبًۢا بِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ صَالُوا۟ ٱلنَّارِ
[Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."
لِكُلِّ ٱمْرِئٍ مِّنْهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ شَأْنٌ يُغْنِيهِ
For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him.
وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَـٰذَا ٱلْوَعْدُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ
And they say, "When is this promise, if you should be truthful?"
وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
And you will not be recompensed except for what you used to do -