Surah al-Masad, meaning « The Palm Fiber, » is the 111th surah of the Quran. This surah was revealed as a rebuke to the arrogance of Abu Lahab, a staunch opponent of righteousness. Blinded by their pride and animosity toward others, Abu Lahab and his wife had strayed from the path, harming innocent people and denouncing the message of Allah.
Abu Lahab and his wife took pride in torturing people, denying others their rights, and engaging in disloyal acts. They often threw obstacles in the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and used malicious rhetoric against him and his companions. In fact, Abu Lahab was so arrogant that he claimed he could buy his way into Paradise with his wealth!
This article provides the complete translation and tafsir of Surah al-Masad, along with the Arabic text.
Translation
- May the two hands of Abu Lahab perish, and may he himself perish.
- His fortune is of no use to him, nor what he has acquired.
- He will be burned in a blazing fire.
- Likewise, his wife, the wood carrier,
- around his neck, a fiber rope.
And now, the Tafsir of Surah al-Masad.
Tafsir
1. May the two hands of Abu Lahab perish and may he himself perish.
Once, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered a speech calling people to Islam. During this speech, Abu Lahab stood up and said, « May you perish for the rest of this day! You have gathered us for this? » Therefore, in the verse, Allah refers to his speech and curses him—his hands, his body, and his soul—in this life and the hereafter.
2. His wealth is of no use to him, nor what he has acquired.
Ibn Masud narrated that when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) called people to Islam, Abu Lahab said, « Even if what Muhammad says is true, I will redeem myself from all troubles on the Day of Judgment with my wealth and my children. » Therefore, Allah revealed this verse, declaring that worldly wealth and gains would not help Abu Lahab.
3. He will be burned in a blazing fire,
In line with the previous one, this Ayah also declares that Abu Lahab’s wealth and worldly stature will not save him.
4. Likewise, his wife, the wood carrier,
Abu Lahab’s wife, Umm Jamil bint Harb, supported her husband in his disloyal acts and, like him, spread lies and betrayals. Therefore, Allah declares that she too will accompany her husband to Hell.
5. around his neck, a fiber rope.
Umm Jamil used to throw palm fibers (masad) in the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to physically harm and ridicule him. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not retaliate against any of her abuse or actions in any way. Therefore, for her hatred and unjust treatment of others, Umm Jamil’s punishment in the Hereafter will be that she will wear a necklace of palm fibers.
Remarks
To the uninitiated, this surah might seem to be filled with anger and disgust. However, it must be viewed in light of the actions and behavior of Abu Lahab and his wife. They used to take pleasure in torturing and injuring innocent people—men, women, and children—simply because these particular people had chosen to follow Islam. As such, Abu Lahab and his wife were proud of their sadistic and sick behavior. Have you ever come across a news story about a sociopath who would kill or injure others simply for sadistic pleasure? Yes, Abu Lahab and his wife were just that.
As such, in response to their sadism and sociopathic ways, Abu Lahab and Umm Jamil were given such a punishment.