Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:20
سُورَةُ المُجَادلَةِ · Medinan · Verse 20 of 22
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحَآدُّونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ فِى ٱلْأَذَلِّينَ
Translation
those who oppose God and His Messenger will be among the most humiliated.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse speaks directly to those who choose a path of antagonism towards Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him. It declares their ultimate state with striking clarity and certainty. The words used are carefully chosen to convey a profound and inescapable truth.
Choosing a Side
The phrase "يُحَادُّونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ" (yuḥāddūna Allāha wa Rasūlahu) means "those who oppose Allah and His Messenger." The root of *yuḥāddūna* (ح د د) carries the sense of a 'حد' (boundary or side). To *yuḥāddūn* is to stand on one side of a boundary in opposition, to draw a line and place oneself against someone. Ibn Ashur explains that while this phrase can apply to open enemies, in this specific context, it particularly refers to the *munafiqoon* (hypocrites) who secretly harbor animosity while outwardly feigning loyalty. This reveals that opposition is not just overt rebellion but can also be a hidden stance of the heart, a choice to be on a different "side" than Allah and His Messenger.
Immersed in Humiliation
The verse then delivers its potent judgment: "أُولَٰٓئِكَ فِي ٱلْأَذَلِّينَ" (ulā'ika fil-adhallīn), meaning "those are among the most humiliated." The word "الأذلّين" (al-adhallīn) is a superlative, emphasizing the extreme degree of humiliation. It means "the most utterly debased," or "the lowest of the low." As al-Zamakhshari elaborates, it indicates they are counted among Allah's creation, such that no one could be seen as more humiliated than them.
What is particularly profound is the use of the preposition "فِي" (fī), meaning "in" or "among." Ibn Ashur notes that saying "they are *in* the most humiliated" is far more impactful than simply stating "they *are* the most humiliated." It paints a picture of them being utterly immersed, enveloped, and counted within the very company of those who have reached the absolute nadir of debasement. Their state is not just a description but a pervasive reality they inhabit. Al-Razi further connects this boundless humiliation to the infinite might of Allah; since Allah's might is limitless, the debasement of those who contend with Him is similarly limitless.
Why this Word Choice
The demonstrative pronoun "أُولَٰٓئِكَ" (ulā'ika), "those," serves as a powerful pointer. Instead of simply saying "they are the most humiliated," the Quran uses "those," drawing immediate attention back to the ones just described – the very people who oppose Allah and His Messenger. Ibn Ashur clarifies that this rhetorical choice highlights that *because* of their specific action of opposition, *they* are deserving of this severe consequence. It strongly links their choice to their inevitable outcome, affirming that their humiliation is a direct and just result of their defiance. The wording ensures that the divine declaration of their ultimate debasement is unmistakably clear and powerfully felt.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:20 is discussed in 2 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-Mujadilah 58:20 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.