Surah Al-Insan 76:7
سُورَةُ الإِنسَانِ · Medinan · Verse 7 of 31
يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذْرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًۭا كَانَ شَرُّهُۥ مُسْتَطِيرًۭا
Translation
They fulfil their vows; they fear a day of widespread woes;
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse from Surah Al-Insan describes some core qualities of the righteous servants of Allah, the 'Abrar', who are destined for paradise. It highlights their actions and their inner spiritual state.
Fulfilling Promises
The verse begins with يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذْرِ (they fulfill their vows). The word يُوفُونَ is an imperfect verb (present tense), and its use here is significant. As scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Razi point out, this tense indicates a *continuous and renewed* commitment. It's not a one-time act, but a consistent way of life. These are people who repeatedly and faithfully fulfill promises they make to Allah.
Furthermore, the choice of "النَّذْرِ" (the vow) with the definite article 'al-' (the) suggests it encompasses *all kinds* of vows made in obedience to Allah, not just specific ones. Al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain that fulfilling what one has obligated upon oneself for Allah's sake is a profound sign of commitment. If they are so diligent with their self-imposed obligations, they would be even more so with what Allah has commanded them directly. This word choice emphasizes their deep sense of responsibility and integrity.
Rooted in Reverence
Following the mention of their actions, the verse continues with وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًۭا (and they fear a Day). The conjunction 'wa' (and) here is crucial. Ibn Ashur and al-Razi highlight that it links their outward deeds (fulfilling vows) to their inner motive (fear of the Day of Judgment). This shows their actions are not for show or worldly gain, but stem from a sincere reverence for Allah and apprehension of His accountability. It affirms the principle that "actions are by intentions." Their fear is not of the Day itself, but of the severe reckoning and potential punishment that will occur on that Day, which they diligently avoid through righteous deeds.
The Widespread Evil
The description of this Day is chilling: كَانَ شَرُّهُۥ مُسْتَطِيرًۭا (whose evil will be widespread, or far-reaching). The word "كَانَ" (was, has been), a past tense verb, is used here for an event that is yet to happen. This is a powerful rhetorical choice, as noted by Ibn Ashur and al-Razi. It signifies the absolute *certainty and inevitability* of this Day and its dire consequences. It is so sure to occur that it is spoken of as though it has already happened. Al-Razi also offers an additional insight that it means its evil was already decreed and necessary in Allah's wisdom for justice.
The term "مُسْتَطِيرًۭا" (widespread, far-reaching) is derived from the root meaning "to fly" or "to spread." Scholars like al-Zamakhshari, Ibn Ashur, and al-Razi explain that it evokes the image of a fire spreading rapidly, or the light of dawn scattering across the sky. The prefix 'ist-' intensifies this meaning, conveying extreme pervasiveness and an inescapable nature. This vivid word choice paints a picture of a terror so immense and overwhelming that it will reach every corner and impact everyone, emphasizing the profound reason behind the righteous's fear.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Qur'anic Worlds
This verse describes the qualities of those righteous servants of Allah, often referred to as "الأبرار" (the pious or virtuous), who are destined for the bounties of Paradise. It tells us about their conduct and mindset in this earthly life, which earns them such a blessed reward.
Living with Commitment
The verse begins by stating that these righteous individuals "يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذْرِ" (they fulfill the vows). In the context of the early Muslim community, this highlights a profound sense of commitment. While "نذر" (nadhir) can refer to a specific vow a person makes, such as promising to give charity or fast if a certain prayer is answered, scholars like Qatadah (cited by al-Baghawi) explain that it also encompasses all the general obligations Allah has laid upon His servants, like daily prayers, paying charity (Zakat), and performing pilgrimage (Hajj). Mufti Shafi emphasizes that if these people are so particular about fulfilling obligations they took upon themselves, they are even more diligent in fulfilling the duties Allah has made compulsory. Sayyid Qutb further broadens this to include all collective and religious responsibilities, underscoring their serious approach to their faith. As the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught, "Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him" (al-Baghawi, Ibn Kathir). This illustrates that the faith of these early believers was not just a belief, but an active, deeply held commitment to their covenants with Allah.
Fearing a Widespread Evil
The verse continues to describe these righteous servants: "وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا كَانَ شَرُّهُۥ مُسْتَطِيرًا" (and they fear a Day whose evil is widespread). This points to their awareness and apprehension of the Day of Judgment. The Arabic word "مُسْتَطِيرًا" (mustateeran) conveys something that is widely spreading, extensive, and far-reaching, like a fire that spreads rapidly or the dawn that extends across the sky. Scholars like Muqatil (cited by al-Baghawi) describe its horrors: the heavens will tear apart, stars will scatter, the sun and moon will be wrapped up, mountains will be blown away, and water will sink into the earth. This vivid imagery helps us understand why its "evil" is called "widespread" – it touches everything and everyone, bringing immense distress to those who were disobedient. Al-Razi explains that while all of Allah's actions are just, it is called "evil" from the perspective of the harm and difficulty it brings to those who face His punishment. Their fear of this Day, which is so certain that Allah describes its evil in the past tense ("كان" meaning 'was'), motivates their diligent obedience and fulfillment of their commitments.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Insan 76:7 is discussed in 8 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-Insan 76:7 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.