Surah Az-Zumar 39:72
سُورَةُ الزُّمَرِ · Meccan · Verse 72 of 75
قِيلَ ٱدْخُلُوٓا۟ أَبْوَٰبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ
Translation
It will be said, ‘Enter the gates of Hell: there you will remain. How evil is the abode of the arrogant!’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse continues the scene of the disbelievers' arrival at Hellfire, described in the verses just before it. Having denied Allah's truth and been led to this dreadful destination, they are met with a definitive command and a stark description of their fate. The tone is one of utter humiliation and finality.
The Authoritative Command
The verse begins with the passive "قِيلَ" (it was said), indicating a statement made by an unseen but clearly authoritative speaker. Ibn Ashur explains this passive form is used because the speaker is well known in this context: the guardians of Hellfire. This removes any ambiguity; the command is delivered with no room for argument or appeal. It is a direct and forceful decree, not an invitation.
Entering the Gates
The command "ٱدْخُلُوٓا۟ أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ" (Enter the gates of Hell) specifies entry through "gates," implying multiple entrances. Ibn Ashur clarifies that "entering the door" means to pass through it to reach what lies beyond. This isn't a mere glimpse; it's a full immersion into the reality of Hell. The word "خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا" (abiding eternally therein) emphasizes the permanence of their stay. The term "خالدين" is a *haal*, a linguistic state describing their condition, underscoring that their eternal residence is an established and unchanging reality from the moment they enter.
The Wretched Dwelling
The verse concludes with a powerful expression of dispraise: "فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ" (and wretched is the dwelling of the arrogant). "مَثْوَى" (mathwā) refers to a permanent place of residence, an abode. Al-Jalalayn describes it as a "refuge," but in this context, it's a wretched place from which there is no escape.
The choice of the word "ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ" (al-mutakabbirīn, the arrogant ones) is highly significant. While the preceding verses referred to them as "those who disbelieved" (الذين كفروا), here they are specifically labeled as "the arrogant." Ibn Ashur explains this highlights their fundamental flaw: they turned away from accepting Islam out of arrogance, refusing to follow a Prophet who was one of them. Al-Zamakhshari notes that the definite article "ال" (al-) on "المتكبرين" serves a generic purpose, indicating that Hellfire is the fitting abode for *all* those who embody arrogance. This linguistic shift from "disbelievers" to "the arrogant" underscores that arrogance was a key, if not primary, characteristic that sealed their doom and led to their eternal suffering. It serves as a profound warning that a heart swollen with pride against Allah's truth ultimately finds its "permanent residence" in a truly wretched place.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Az-Zumar 39:72 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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