لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمُ ٱلْأَخْسَرُونَ 22
Translations
Assuredly, it is they in the Hereafter who will be the greatest losers.
Transliteration
Lā jarama annahum fī al-ākhirati humu al-akhsarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphatically affirms that those who reject faith and turn away from Allah's signs are indeed the greatest losers in the Hereafter. The phrase 'lā jarama' (assuredly/without doubt) serves as a strong particle of affirmation, emphasizing the certainty of their loss. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to those who disbelieve despite clear signs, and their loss encompasses both the deprivation of Paradise and the certainty of punishment, making them the most unfortunate of all creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Hud's broader theme of warning disbelievers and comforting believers through examples of previous prophets and their peoples. The context discusses those who perform good deeds in worldly life but associate partners with Allah, thus nullifying their works. This ayah concludes that section by emphasizing their ultimate loss despite any worldly gains.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) said: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī). Additionally, Sahih Muslim records that deeds without sincere faith in Allah's oneness are rejected: 'Whoever meets Allah associating partners with Him will enter the Fire.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that worldly success and good deeds mean nothing without sincere faith in Allah's oneness; true loss is not material but spiritual—the loss of Paradise and Allah's pleasure. Believers should prioritize their relationship with Allah over worldly achievements, knowing that ultimate success is measured in the Hereafter.