قَالُوا۟ وَهُمْ فِيهَا يَخْتَصِمُونَ 96
Translations
They will say while they dispute therein,
Transliteration
Qāloo wa hum fīhā yakhtaṣimūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the deniers and disbelievers in the Fire disputing and quarreling with one another, each blaming others for their fate. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the inhabitants of Hell will engage in heated arguments and recriminations, with the weak blaming the leaders who misguided them, and the leaders blaming those who followed them—a consequence of their mutual deception in worldly life. This mutual blame reflects the despair and regret that characterizes the state of the damned.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a passage (26:91-101) describing the scene of Judgment Day and the segregation of believers from disbelievers. The surah contextualizes this within Meccan opposition to the Prophet's message, illustrating the ultimate fate awaiting those who reject truth and follow falsehood.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'The Fire is surrounded by desires, and Paradise is surrounded by hardships' (Sahih Bukhari 6487). Additionally, the Quran describes in Surah As-Saffat (37:27-28) similar mutual recriminations: 'They will say: Indeed, you used to come at us from the right (i.e., with temptation).'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that those who reject truth and mislead others will face eternal regret and division, emphasizing the importance of seeking and following guidance in this life while we still have the chance to repent. We should reflect on how our choices and influences affect others, as we will be accountable before Allah.