وَإِذْ يَتَحَآجُّونَ فِى ٱلنَّارِ فَيَقُولُ ٱلضُّعَفَـٰٓؤُا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوٓا۟ إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمْ تَبَعًا فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّغْنُونَ عَنَّا نَصِيبًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ 47
Translations
And [mention] when they will argue within the Fire, and the weak will say to those who had been arrogant, "Indeed, we were [only] your followers, so will you relieve us of a share of the Fire?"
Transliteration
Wa-idh yatahajjun fi al-nar fa-yaqul al-du'afa'u lilladhina istakbaru inna kunna lakum taba'an fa-hal antum mughnun 'anna nasiban min al-nar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the scene on the Day of Judgment where the weak followers will dispute with the arrogant leaders in Hell-fire, saying they were merely followers of these leaders. The weak ones appeal to their former leaders asking if they can lighten their share of punishment. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this is a dialogue of mutual blame—the oppressors cannot reduce the punishment of those who followed them, as each soul bears responsibility for its own choices, despite the influence exerted upon them.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Ghafir (revealed in Mecca) and is part of a broader Quranic theme about the Day of Judgment and the separation of truth from falsehood. The surah emphasizes God's forgiveness for the repentant while warning of severe punishment for those who persist in disbelief and transgression. This specific ayah illustrates the accountability and regret that will characterize the dialogue between followers and leaders in the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock' (Sahih Bukhari 893). Additionally, in the hadith about intercession, the Prophet mentioned that people will seek relief on the Day of Judgment, but it will not be granted in the manner they hope (Sahih Bukhari 3340), relating to the futility of seeking others' aid from punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that while peer pressure and societal influence are real factors in our choices, no one can ultimately shield us from the consequences of our own actions on the Day of Judgment—each soul must answer for itself. It serves as a powerful reminder to examine whom we follow in this life and to take personal responsibility for our beliefs and deeds rather than attributing them solely to others' influence.