إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ 135
Translations
Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a terrible day."
Transliteration
Inni akhaafu alaikum adhaba yawmin adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Hud conveys his sincere concern and warning to his people about the severe punishment of the Day of Judgment. This ayah reflects the compassionate nature of the prophets in delivering warnings to their nations, emphasizing that their fear for the people stems from genuine care for their salvation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this statement demonstrates the prophets' roles as warners, and their anxiety about their people's rejection of divine guidance and the consequences they would face.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which presents stories of various prophets and their warnings to their peoples. Here, Prophet Hud addresses the 'Ad nation with a final warning after they persistently rejected his message. The surah emphasizes the recurring pattern of prophetic warnings and human rejection throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, hadith collections emphasize the prophets' mercy and concern for their nations, as reflected in the Prophet's statement: 'I am only a warner and a bringer of good tidings' (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that genuine concern for others' spiritual welfare is a noble Islamic quality, and that warnings about divine accountability should be delivered with sincerity and compassion rather than harshness. It also teaches that rejection of clear divine guidance carries serious consequences, motivating reflection on our own response to the Quran's guidance.