جَهَنَّمَ يَصْلَوْنَهَا فَبِئْسَ ٱلْمِهَادُ 56
Translations
Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the resting place.
Transliteration
Jahannama yaslawnahā fabi'sa al-mihād
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the punishment of the inhabitants of Hell, stating they will be 'in Jahannam, and wretched is the resting place.' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'yaslawnahā' (they will experience/endure) emphasizes the continuous suffering of those in Hell, while 'al-mihād' (the resting place/abode) underscores that Hell becomes their permanent dwelling. The phrase 'fabi'sa' (how evil/wretched) expresses divine condemnation of this destination as the worst possible outcome.
Revelation Context
Surah Sad is a Meccan surah primarily addressing disbelievers and their ultimate fate. This particular ayah appears in the context of describing the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, specifically following the mention of the blessed state of the righteous in Paradise (verses 49-55), making this ayah a stark warning about the consequences of rejection and disobedience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The least punishment in Hell is shoes of fire which boil the brains in the head' (Sahih Muslim 2876). Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger and establishes prayer and pays Zakat will enter Paradise' (Sahih Bukhari 392), highlighting the contrast between the destinations mentioned in this surah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of one's choices in this life and their eternal consequences, encouraging believers to reflect on their actions and relationship with Allah. The graphic description of Hell is meant not to instill despair, but to motivate sincere repentance and righteous conduct.