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
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَٱعْبُدِ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ ٱلدِّينَ
Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muḥammad], in truth. So worship Allāh, [being] sincere to Him in religion.
وَبَدَا لَهُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتُ مَا كَسَبُوا۟ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ
And there will appear to them the evils they had earned, and they will be enveloped by what they used to ridicule.
وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ
And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allāh wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.
وَمَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّضِلٍّ ۗ أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِعَزِيزٍ ذِى ٱنتِقَامٍ
And whoever Allāh guides - for him there is no misleader. Is not Allāh Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution?