Surah Al-Baqarah 2:10
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 10 of 286
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ
Translation
There is a disease in their hearts, to which God has added more: agonizing torment awaits them for their persistent lying.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'In their hearts is a disease, so God has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment for the lie they used to tell.' Ibn Ashur and al-Saadi note the diagnosis, hypocrisy is a sickness ('marad') of the heart, and left untreated it worsens: each act of duplicity deepens the disease, and God's letting it increase is the natural law of a sickness fed rather than cured. Ask yourself: the verse treats spiritual duplicity as a disease that progresses, the more I indulge the gap between my outer show and inner reality, the sicker the heart becomes, until pretence is second nature. Diseases untreated do not stay still; they spread. It presses me to see my small hypocrisies not as static flaws but as an infection that grows with every feeding. What sickness of the heart am I feeding rather than treating, and do I realise it is not holding steady, but advancing?
Grounded in classical tafsir: Ibn Ashur, al-Saadi, Ibn Kathir.
Wording
This powerful verse opens by revealing the inner state of the hypocrites, a declaration made by Allah Himself, outlining their spiritual condition and ultimate fate as a stern warning.
The Inner Malady
The verse begins by stating, `فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ` (in their hearts is a sickness). The Quran places the phrase `فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ` (in their hearts) first for emphasis, drawing our attention directly to the core of their being, the seat of thought and intention. This "sickness" (marad), as explained by Ibn Ashur and al-Zamakhshari, is not a physical ailment but a profound spiritual disorder. It's a metaphorical sickness, like doubt (shakk), hypocrisy (nifaq), ill-will (ghill), or a tendency towards sin, which disrupts the heart's natural inclination towards truth and goodness, much like a physical illness takes a body out of balance. Al-Razi clarifies that anything that prevents the heart from recognizing and obeying Allah constitutes such a spiritual sickness. The indefinite form of `مَرَضٌ` suggests the severe nature or multiplicity of this internal affliction.
A Compounding Sickness
The verse continues, `فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا` (so Allah increased them in sickness). This isn't a new illness, but rather an intensification of their existing spiritual malady. Ibn Ashur explains that by persisting in hypocrisy, these individuals conceal their ill character traits. This concealment prevents them from being counselled or corrected, allowing their vices to deepen, take root, and generate further moral failings. Al-Razi suggests this increase can manifest in various ways: their distress intensifies as they witness the Prophet's success, or their existing disbelief grows with each new divine revelation they reject. In essence, Allah's "increase" is a natural consequence of their chosen path, where their wilful rejection of truth and continued deceit leads to a hardening of their hearts and a deeper entanglement in their own spiritual disease.
The Consequence of Deceit
Finally, `وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ` (and for them is a painful punishment because of what they used to lie about). Here, `لَهُمْ` (for them) is presented upfront to stress that this severe punishment is specifically their due. The word `أَلِيمٌ` (painful) describes a deeply agonizing punishment. The cause of this punishment is `بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ`. Scholars note two significant readings of this word. One reading, `يُكَذِّبُونَ` (yukaddhibun), means "they used to deny or disbelieve" the Prophet and his message. The other, `يَكْذِبُونَ` (yakdhibun), means "they used to lie" about their own faith, outwardly proclaiming belief while inwardly harboring disbelief. Both readings point to the fundamental deceit and rejection of truth that characterized the hypocrites, for which they will face a tormenting consequence.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Qur'anic Worlds
This verse, Surah 2:10, describes the internal state and the ultimate destiny of a specific group of people: the hypocrites. Allah Himself is speaking here, revealing their hidden reality to the Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community. The tone is a stern warning and a profound insight into the spiritual consequences of deception. This revelation came during the Madani period, after the Hijrah (migration), when the Muslim community in Medina had gained strength. Open opposition to Islam was becoming risky, so some individuals outwardly declared faith while harboring disbelief in their hearts.
The Core Disease
The ayah begins, "فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ" (In their hearts is a disease). This "disease," as scholars like Ibn Kathir and al-Tabari explain, refers primarily to *shakk* (doubt) and *nifaq* (hypocrisy). It's not a physical ailment but a spiritual and intellectual one, a sickness of conviction. As Abdul Rahman bin Zaid bin Aslam clarified, this is a "disease in religion, not a disease of the body." It's a state of internal imbalance, a lack of firm belief, and a tendency to conceal true intentions. Mufti Shafi notes that this spiritual sickness prevents a person from spiritual growth and even basic decency, eventually leading to spiritual death. Their hearts are not sound, they are wavering, unable to commit fully to truth.
A Growing Sickness
The verse continues, "فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا" (so Allah increased them in disease). This isn't an arbitrary punishment, but a consequence in line with Allah's divine law. As Islam grew stronger and more revelations were sent, the believers' faith increased. But for those with sick hearts, these same revelations, which should have been a source of guidance, only deepened their doubt and hypocrisy. Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir describe this as a recompense in kind: just as believers are increased in faith, the hypocrites are increased in their sickness and impurity (*rijs*). As Sayyid Qutb explains, a spiritual malady, if left untreated, naturally grows, leading to further misguidance. Their inner turmoil, fear of exposure, and jealousy of the Muslims' success, as Mufti Shafi notes, would have exacerbated their spiritual ailment.
The Painful Consequence
Finally, the ayah states, "وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ" (And for them is a painful punishment because they used to lie). The term "أَلِيمٌ" (aleem) means "painful," a suffering that penetrates deep into their hearts, as explained by al-Tabari. The punishment is explicitly linked to their "lying." While they committed many sins, including disbelief, the Quran emphasizes their *kidhb* (lying). Al-Tabari clarifies that this refers to their fundamental lie: outwardly declaring "We believe" while inwardly disbelieving. Mufti Shafi highlights this emphasis on lying because it was the root habit that led them to hypocrisy. In the Madani community, this constant deception, this pretense of faith while secretly opposing it, was a foundational characteristic of the hypocrites, profoundly affecting the social and spiritual fabric and earning them a severe divine consequence.
Sources: Ibn Kathir, Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Worldly Mirror
This profound verse speaks directly about a specific type of person: the hypocrites. It delves into their inner state and the severe consequences of their actions, offering us a mirror to reflect on the dangers of such a path.
The Inner Illness
The verse begins by stating, "فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ" (In their hearts is an illness). This "illness," as Ibn al-Jawzi clarifies, is primarily doubt (شك). It's not a physical ailment but a spiritual and moral disease. Dr. Israr Ahmad expands on this, describing it as a "weakness of character." These are individuals who may recognize the truth but lack the inner strength to fully commit. They desire the rewards of the hereafter but are unwilling to sacrifice worldly comforts, hoping to maintain a favorable position in both realms. Sayyid Qutb adds that this disease prevents them from walking the straight path, hindering their spiritual journey. Al-Munir considers this illness a metaphor for hypocrisy, a corruption of the heart.
A Self-Perpetuating Cycle
The ayah continues, "فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا" (so Allah increased their illness). This isn't an arbitrary act but a divine law, as explained by Dr. Israr Ahmad. If someone chooses to lean towards evil, Allah makes that path seem easier and lighter for them. Similarly, Sayyid Qutb notes that a small deviation, if unchecked, widens over time. Al-Munir clarifies that Allah's action here is a matter of justice. When individuals choose deviation and persist in their arrogance and obstinacy, Allah withholds His grace and allows them to deepen their chosen path, rather than denying them a right they were owed.
The Impact on Society
The verse concludes, "وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ" (and for them is a painful punishment because they used to lie). Lying, according to Al-Munir, is the defining motto of hypocrites. Dr. Israr Ahmad points out how these individuals believe they are clever by deceiving both believers (who think they are Muslim) and disbelievers (who think they are their allies). This deception, however, is a false sense of success. Tazkirul Quran highlights the broader societal impact, especially concerning leaders who uphold fabricated religious practices to maintain their authority. These leaders may oppose the truth, generating suspicion among the public, simply to preserve their self-made status, prioritizing self-interest over truth. Al-Munir stresses that hypocrisy is a dangerous disease, acting like a thorn that harms the community from within.
This ayah serves as a powerful mirror, not just for the hypocrites of the past, but for us today. It invites us to examine our own hearts for any traces of doubt, weakness of character, or tendencies towards deception. It reminds us that spiritual illness, if left unchecked, can grow and manifest in ways that harm not only ourselves but also our relationships and the broader society, ultimately leading to severe consequences.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Connections
This verse opens a profound window into the state of those whose outward actions do not match their inner reality. It is a direct address from Allah, rebuking and warning a specific group: the hypocrites. These are individuals who declare belief with their tongues but harbor doubt and disbelief in their hearts. This verse, therefore, is not a legal ruling but a clear revelation of their condition and its dire consequences.
The Immediate Context
To understand this ayah, we must first see its place within the grand tapestry of Surah Al-Baqarah. As al-Sabuni explains, Allah begins the Surah by categorizing humanity into three groups: the true believers, the staunch disbelievers, and then, in a lengthy section, the hypocrites. This verse, Surah 2:10, is central to unveiling the third group. The comprehensive description of hypocrites, spanning thirteen verses, serves to emphasize their immense danger and harm to the community. It sets the stage for many of the challenges the early Muslim community faced, and indeed, any community faces, from within.
The Disease of the Heart
The verse states, "فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ" (In their hearts is a disease). Al-Wasit (Tantawi) clarifies that this "disease" is not physical but a spiritual ailment, a "defect in the self" that prevents moral completeness. It encompasses ill belief, envy, hatred, and especially hypocrisy. Just as physical illness prevents the body from full function, this spiritual disease hinders the heart from perceiving goodness and embracing virtues. Al-Biqa'i adds that this "disease from the origin of creation" weakens the power of faith itself, leading to flawed actions.
Worsening Condition
The verse continues, "فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا" (So Allah increased their disease). This is a direct consequence of their choices. Al-Wasit explains that it is Allah's way (sunnah) that a disease, if left untreated and allowed to persist, inevitably worsens. Because the hypocrites continued in their doubt and pretense, Allah increased their spiritual ailment, adding more impurity and doubt to their existing state. Al-Biqa'i describes this as a deepening of their poor beliefs and an increase in their inner pain as their deceptive efforts failed, ultimately blocking their capacity for true understanding.
The Painful Consequence
Finally, the verse warns, "وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ" (And for them is a painful punishment because they used to lie). Al-Wasit highlights that while disbelief is a greater sin, the punishment is specifically tied to their "lying." This underlines the gravity of dishonesty, especially when it involves claiming faith while concealing disbelief. The Arabic phrase "كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ" (they *used to* lie) implies that lying was not an isolated act but a continuous, defining characteristic of their existence. This emphasis serves as a strong deterrent against all forms of deception and hypocrisy.
Sources: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:10 is discussed in 14 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Baqarah 2:10 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.