فَلَنُذِيقَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَسْوَأَ ٱلَّذِى كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 27
Translations
But We will surely cause those who disbelieve to taste a severe punishment, and We will surely recompense them for the worst of what they had been doing.
Transliteration
Fa-lanudhiqanna alladhīna kafarū 'adhāban shadīdan wa-lanajziyanna-hum aswā' alladhī kānū ya'malūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that Allah will certainly make the disbelievers taste a severe punishment and will recompense them with the worst of their deeds. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this emphasizes that the punishment will be proportionate to the magnitude and nature of their disbelief and evil actions, serving as a warning that no transgression goes unnoticed by Allah. The dual promise of tasting punishment and receiving the worst of their works underscores both the inevitability and justice of divine retribution.
Revelation Context
Surah Fussilat was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Quraysh were actively opposing the Prophet Muhammad and rejecting the message of Islam. This ayah appears in a section addressing the disbelievers and warning them of the consequences of their rejection, fitting the broader Meccan theme of emphasizing monotheism and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'No soul knows what is hidden for it of comfort for the eyes in return for what it has done' (Surah As-Sajdah 32:17), which relates to the concept of recompense based on deeds. Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet warned that people will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment upon their deeds.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that all actions have consequences before Allah, who is perfectly just and aware of every deed. For modern readers, it serves as a motivator to examine intentions and conduct, knowing that our worst deeds will not be forgotten, while also reinforcing hope that righteous actions are equally recorded and rewarded.