وَإِذَا ٱلْمَوْءُۥدَةُ سُئِلَتْ 8
Translations
And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked
Transliteration
Wa idha al-maw'udatu su'ilat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the female infant who was buried alive during the pre-Islamic period (Jahiliyyah). On the Day of Judgment, she will be asked about the sin committed against her—specifically, why she was killed. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah questioning the father or guardian who committed this act of infanticide, holding them accountable for this grave transgression. The ayah emphasizes divine justice and the preservation of innocent life.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Takwir is a Meccan surah describing the Day of Judgment and the cosmic upheaval that will occur. This ayah specifically addresses the practice of female infanticide, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia. The surah condemns such practices by showing that even the victims will testify against their killers on the Day of Judgment, reinforcing that no sin goes unaccounted for.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever kills a soul, it is as if he has killed all of mankind.' (Quran 5:32). Additionally, regarding the questioning on the Day of Judgment, the Prophet stated: 'The first thing the slave will be asked about on the Day of Judgment is his life and how he spent it.' (Tirmidhi)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that every action, no matter how hidden, will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment, and that protecting innocent life—especially the vulnerable—is a fundamental Islamic duty. It calls believers to reject all forms of violence and injustice, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to Allah alone.