فَلْيَضْحَكُوا۟ قَلِيلًا وَلْيَبْكُوا۟ كَثِيرًا جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ 82
Translations
So let them laugh a little and [then] weep much as recompense for what they used to earn.
Transliteration
Fal-yadhakū qalīlan wa-liyabkū kathīran jazāan bimā kānū yaksibūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns the hypocrites that they will have little joy in this world but much weeping and sorrow as a recompense for their deeds. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret this as addressing those who mocked the believers and the obligation to fight in Allah's cause (jihad), particularly the hypocrites of Madinah who refused to participate in the Tabuk expedition. The verse establishes the principle of divine justice: their worldly laughter is temporary and fleeting, while their punishment—both in this life through shame and defeat, and in the Hereafter—will be eternal and severe.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah At-Tawbah's discussion of the Tabuk expedition (9 AH), where Allah condemns the hypocrites and those who made excuses to avoid joining the Muslim army. The broader surah addresses the hypocrisy of certain groups in Madinah who claimed faith but withheld support from the believers' struggle, providing the specific historical backdrop for understanding the divine reproach in this verse.
Related Hadiths
The principle of recompense for deeds is reinforced in a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Everyone will taste the sweetness of his deeds' (Kullun yasīq min amalihi). Additionally, Tirmidhi records that the Prophet warned against hypocrisy as the greater sin, linking to the ayah's theme of accountability.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that superficial worldly success and laughter built on disobedience to Allah are hollow and temporary, while sincere obedience brings lasting honor and reward. It calls us to examine our intentions and commitments to faith, ensuring we do not resemble those who laugh at the sacred while storing up sorrow for themselves.