قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ 13
Translations
Say, "Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day."
Transliteration
Qul inni akhafu in 'asaytu rabbi 'adhaba yawmin 'adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is commanded to proclaim that he fears the punishment of a great Day (the Day of Judgment) should he disobey his Lord, emphasizing human accountability before Allah regardless of station. This ayah demonstrates the Prophet's own piety and reverence for Allah, establishing that even the most righteous must fear Allah's punishment and maintain obedience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this serves as a profound lesson that no one is exempt from divine justice, and that fear of Allah (khawf) combined with obedience is the foundation of faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zumar, a Meccan surah that addresses the nature of monotheism and the consequences of disbelief. The ayah occurs within a passage where the Prophet is instructed to clarify his message and personal stance regarding worship of Allah alone, in contrast to those who associate partners with Him. The context emphasizes that even the Messenger himself prioritizes obedience and fears Allah's punishment.
Related Hadiths
Jundub ibn Abdullah reported that the Prophet said: 'The most feared thing I fear for you is minor shirk (hidden polytheism)' (Sunan Ahmad). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet would pray at night until his feet would swell, and when asked why, he said: 'Should I not be a grateful servant?' (Sahih Bukhari), reflecting the same spirit of devoted obedience and fear of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine faith is rooted in a healthy fear of Allah and conscious awareness of accountability before Him on the Day of Judgment. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that no position, knowledge, or deed grants immunity from divine judgment; rather, true devotion lies in constant vigilance over one's obedience and sincere submission to Allah's commands.
Related Ayahs
فَإِذَا مَسَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ضُرٌّ دَعَانَا ثُمَّ إِذَا خَوَّلْنَـٰهُ نِعْمَةً مِّنَّا قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أُوتِيتُهُۥ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍۭ ۚ بَلْ هِىَ فِتْنَةٌ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
And when adversity touches man, he calls upon Us; then when We bestow on him a favor from Us, he says, "I have only been given it because of [my] knowledge." Rather, it is a trial, but most of them do not know.
وَٱتَّبِعُوٓا۟ أَحْسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ بَغْتَةً وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ
And follow the best of what was revealed to you from your Lord [i.e., the Qur’ān] before the punishment comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive,
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ لِلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ
Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager [i.e., authority] over them.
۞ وَإِذَا مَسَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ضُرٌّ دَعَا رَبَّهُۥ مُنِيبًا إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ إِذَا خَوَّلَهُۥ نِعْمَةً مِّنْهُ نَسِىَ مَا كَانَ يَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ مِن قَبْلُ وَجَعَلَ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًا لِّيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ ۚ قُلْ تَمَتَّعْ بِكُفْرِكَ قَلِيلًا ۖ إِنَّكَ مِنْ أَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ
And when adversity touches man, he calls upon his Lord, turning to Him [alone]; then when He bestows on him a favor from Himself, he forgets Him whom he called upon before, and he attributes to Allāh equals to mislead [people] from His way. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief for a little; indeed, you are of the companions of the Fire."