Al-Masad (المسد)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ
Tab bat yadaa abee Lahabinw-wa tabb
DOOMED are the hands of him of the glowing countence: and doomed is he!
مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ
Maa aghna 'anhu maaluhu wa ma kasab
What will his wealth avail him, and all that he has gained?
سَيَصْلَىٰ نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ
Sa yas laa naran zaata lahab
[In the life to come] he shall have to endure a fire fiercely glowing;
وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ
Wam ra-atuh hamma latal-hatab
together with his wife, that carrier of evil tales,
فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِنْ مَسَدٍ
Fee jeediha hab lum mim-masad
[who bears] around her neck a rope of twisted strands!
Meaning
The Palm Fiber
Ayas
5
Revelation
Meccan
Surah No
111
Condemnation of Abu Lahab: Surah Al-Masad is a condemnation of Abu Lahab, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) most outspoken enemies. He was a staunch opponent of Islam and used to harm the Prophet (ﷺ) in various ways. The Surah announces his doom and eternal punishment.
Warning Against Arrogance and Hostility: The Surah serves as a warning to those who oppose Allah’s message and His Messenger with arrogance and hostility. It highlights the consequences of rejecting faith and spreading enmity toward the Prophet (ﷺ).
Eternal Punishment: The Surah explicitly mentions that Abu Lahab and his wife will face eternal punishment in Hell for their hostility, serving as a reminder of the fate of those who oppose Allah’s guidance.
Revelation Context: This Surah was revealed during a time when Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s (ﷺ) uncle, was openly hostile toward Islam and the message of the Prophet (ﷺ). He was known for his strong opposition to the Prophet (ﷺ), and this Surah serves as a direct condemnation of his actions.
Divine Justice: Surah Al-Masad emphasizes divine justice—those who choose to oppose the truth, no matter their status or relation to the Prophet (ﷺ), will face the consequences of their actions.
A Warning to All Opponents of Islam: Although the Surah specifically addresses Abu Lahab, its message extends to all those who oppose Islam and act with hostility towards the truth. It emphasizes the importance of believing in Allah and supporting His Messenger.
Protection from Enemies: Reciting Surah Al-Masad is often seen as a way to seek protection from enemies and those who oppose Islam. It reminds believers that even the most powerful enemies of Islam will face consequences for their opposition.
Reminder of the Fate of the Oppressors: This Surah is a reminder that arrogance and hostility toward the truth will eventually be met with Allah’s justice. It can serve as a motivation for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to trust in Allah’s justice, no matter how strong the opposition may seem.
A Lesson in Humility: The Surah also teaches humility, reminding believers that no one, no matter how powerful or influential, can escape Allah’s judgment if they choose to oppose the truth.
On the Fate of Abu Lahab:
Ibn Abbas said, “When Surah Al-Masad was revealed, it was a direct condemnation of Abu Lahab and his wife. It was a warning to the enemies of Islam that no matter their status, they would face Allah’s punishment for their opposition.”
This teaching reinforces the theme of divine justice that is central to the Surah.
On the Consequences of Opposing the Prophet:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever harms me, Allah will harm him, and whoever seeks to oppose me, Allah will bring him to ruin.” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith echoes the message of Surah Al-Masad, highlighting that those who actively oppose the Prophet (ﷺ) and Allah’s guidance will face dire consequences.
“If you find any mistakes in this, please let us know. For a more accurate translation, please refer to the English version. May Allah forgive us for any unintentional mistakes.”
