إِذِ ٱلْأَغْلَـٰلُ فِىٓ أَعْنَـٰقِهِمْ وَٱلسَّلَـٰسِلُ يُسْحَبُونَ 71
Translations
When the shackles are around their necks and the chains; they will be dragged
Transliteration
Idh al-aghläl fī a'näqihim wa-as-saläsil yushabuun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when the disbelievers will be brought forth with chains around their necks and fetters binding them, being dragged forcefully toward punishment. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as both a literal description of the physical restraints of the Day of Judgment and a metaphor for the spiritual bondage of those who rejected faith—their own deeds and denial have bound them. The imagery emphasizes the inescapable consequences of rejecting Allah's guidance and the humiliation that awaits those who turned away from His signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ghafir (Meccan), which primarily addresses the polytheists of Mecca and warns them of the inevitable Day of Judgment. The surah contextualizes this verse within a broader discourse on the fate of disbelievers and the contrast between Allah's mercy for believers and His justice for those who reject Him. The passage follows descriptions of the scenes of the Day of Judgment when people will be called to account.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the Day of Judgment in multiple hadiths. A relevant one is from Sunan Ibn Majah where the Prophet warned of the punishment awaiting those who reject faith. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains accounts of the Prophet's descriptions of how disbelievers will be dragged to Hell on their faces.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a stark reminder that rejecting Allah's guidance carries inevitable and severe consequences, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith. It also teaches that pride and arrogance in this life will be met with ultimate humiliation and bondage, motivating sincere repentance and obedience to Allah's commands.