Surah Ash-Shams 91:15
سُورَةُ الشَّمۡسِ · Meccan · Verse 15 of 15
وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقْبَٰهَا
Translation
He did not hesitate to punish them.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse, "وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقْبَٰهَا" (Wa lā yakhāfu ‘uqbāhā), concludes the vivid narrative of the people of Thamud and their utter destruction. After detailing how their Lord annihilated them for their defiance, Allah states plainly that He does not fear the consequence or aftermath of His action.
The Speaker and the Action
The plain meaning of the verse clarifies that the speaker here is Allah Himself, and the one who does not fear the outcome is Allah, "Glorified be His power." The preceding verses describe how Thamud denied their prophet Salih, slaughtered the miraculous she-camel, and were then utterly destroyed by Allah. This final statement underscores the absolute nature of that divine judgment.
What the Words Reveal
The word "يَخَافُ" (yakhāfu) means 'he fears,' and "عُقْبَٰهَا" ('uqbāhā) refers to the consequence, outcome, or repercussion of an action. Together, the phrase means 'He does not fear its consequence.'
Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain that this highlights Allah's unique and absolute power. Unlike human kings or rulers who might fear retaliation, regret, or the loss of their position after meting out a severe punishment, Allah faces no such limitations. His actions are not driven by fear or a need to appease; they are based on perfect wisdom, justice, and absolute authority. As al-Razi notes, Allah's actions are always just and wise, so there is no negative consequence for Him to fear. This aspect implies His complete control and majesty, free from any weakness or imperfection.
The Nuance of Connection
The way this verse connects to the preceding one also offers a subtle insight. Some readings connect it with a "fa" (فَلا يَخافُ عُقْباها), meaning 'so He does not fear its consequence.' Ibn Ashur explains that this emphasizes the immediate and direct implication: because Allah destroyed them utterly, it necessarily follows that He has no fear of any repercussions. This "fa" reading underlines that the knowledge of Allah's lack of fear should deter others from disobedience. Other readings use a "wa" (وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقْبَٰهَا), meaning 'and He does not fear its consequence,' which acts more as a descriptive statement of Allah's state. Both readings, however, convey the same profound message about Allah's unchallengeable power and His freedom from any accountability to created beings.
Ultimately, this verse is a stark reminder of Allah's absolute sovereignty and justice. When He decrees punishment, it is decisive, just, and final, without any fear of reversal or reprisal. It invites us to ponder His immense power and to approach His commands with humility and reverence, knowing that His authority is supreme and unquestionable.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ash-Shams 91:15 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ash-Shams 91:15 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.