Day 13 - The Fate of Abu Lahab
The consequences of rejecting Allah’s message
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
Surah Al-Masad in Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ ﴿١﴾ مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ ﴿٢﴾ سَيَصْلَىٰ نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ ﴿٣﴾ وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ ﴿٤﴾ فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ ﴿٥﴾
Translation by Hilali and Khan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
"May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he."
"His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained."
"He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame."
"And his wife [as well]—the carrier of firewood."
"Around her neck is a rope of twisted fiber."
Surah Al-Masad is a unique surah in the Quran, as it directly addresses a specific individual—Abu Lahab—and his wife, Umm Jamil. Abu Lahab was one of the most hostile enemies of Islam, openly opposing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his message. Despite being the Prophet’s uncle, he showed no mercy or support, instead ridiculing and persecuting him.
Ibn Kathir explains that this surah serves as a warning to all who oppose the truth and harm the believers. He writes, "Abu Lahab’s wealth and status could not save him from Allah’s punishment. This is a reminder that worldly power and riches are meaningless in the face of divine justice."
Imam As-Sa’di adds that the surah highlights the consequences of arrogance and enmity toward Allah’s message. He says, "Abu Lahab and his wife represent those who not only reject the truth but actively work to harm it. Their fate is a lesson for all who follow in their footsteps."
The surah also mentions Abu Lahab’s wife, Umm Jamil, who was known for spreading thorns in the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to cause him harm.
What This Means for Us
Worldly Wealth and Status Are Meaningless: The surah reminds us that wealth, power, and status cannot save us from Allah’s punishment. True success lies in faith and righteousness.
Opposition to the Truth Leads to Destruction: Abu Lahab’s fate is a warning to those who oppose Allah’s message and harm His believers.
The Importance of Supporting the Truth: The surah calls us to stand with the truth and support those who convey it, rather than opposing or harming them.
Beware of Arrogance and Hatred: Abu Lahab and his wife’s arrogance and hatred led to their downfall. We must guard against these traits in ourselves.
Divine Justice Is Certain: The surah reassures us that Allah’s justice will prevail, and no one can escape His punishment.
Reflection Prompts
How do you respond to those who oppose or ridicule your faith?
What lessons can you draw from the fate of Abu Lahab and his wife?
How can you ensure that your wealth and status are used for good, rather than becoming a source of arrogance?
In what ways can you support the truth and stand with those who convey it?
How does the surah’s message of divine justice bring you comfort in times of difficulty?
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