قَالَ قَآئِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ إِنِّى كَانَ لِى قَرِينٌ 51
Translations
A speaker among them will say, "Indeed, I had a companion [on earth].
Transliteration
Qāla qāʾilun minhum innī kāna lī qarīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
One of the inhabitants of Paradise speaks, saying that he had a companion (in the worldly life) who used to deny the Hereafter. This ayah depicts a scene where the believers in Paradise recall their former companions who rejected faith and ended up in Hell. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this statement introduces the dialogue between the people of Paradise and those in Hell, emphasizing the separation that occurs between friends based on their choices regarding faith and obedience to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat's description of the Day of Judgment and the scenes in Paradise and Hell. It contextualizes the broader theme of the surah—depicting the ranks of the righteous and the fate of those who rejected the message. The passage illustrates how friendships and associations in this world are dissolved on the Day of Judgment based on one's spiritual state.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'A person is on the religion of his close friend, so let each of you be careful regarding whom he takes as a close friend' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari describes how believers will be separated from disbelievers on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that our worldly friendships and associations will be meaningless on the Day of Judgment unless they are founded on shared faith and righteousness. We should carefully choose our companions in this life, as they profoundly influence our spiritual journey and ultimate destiny.