ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَضَلَّ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ 1
Translations
Those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allāh - He will waste their deeds.
Transliteration
Alladheen kafaroo wa sadoo an sabeeli-llahi adalla a'malahum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that those who disbelieve and turn others away from the path of Allah have their deeds made futile and void. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'adalla a'malahum' (made their deeds go astray) means that despite their efforts and works, they will find no reward or benefit from them in the afterlife, as their rejection of truth nullifies any apparent good. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this applies to those who not only disbelieve themselves but actively work to prevent others from following guidance.
Revelation Context
Surah Muhammad is a Medinan chapter revealed during the period of heightened conflict between the Muslims and their opponents. This opening ayah sets the thematic foundation for the surah, addressing the reality that the disbelievers' obstruction of Allah's path and rejection of His guidance renders their efforts meaningless, establishing a contrast with the believers whose deeds are accepted.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: a continuing charity, knowledge from which benefit is derived, and a righteous son who prays for him' (Sahih Muslim 1631). This contrasts with this ayah's message that the deeds of those who reject and turn away from Allah's path are rendered void.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincerity in belief is foundational to meaningful action—no matter how much effort one expends, works performed in rejection of Allah's guidance bear no spiritual fruit. For believers, it reinforces the importance of maintaining faith and not becoming complacent, while warning against actively hindering others from the path of truth.