Surah Al-Masad (in Arabic text: ٱلمَسَد) is the 111th chapter of the Quran and is one of the shortest surahs in terms of verses. It is a Meccan surah, meaning it was revealed before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Medina. In this article, we will dive deep into the meaning and significance of Surah Al-Masad which is in juz 30.
Read More About: Qul Auzu Bi Rabbin Falak | Meaning in English
Surah Al-Masad Background and Context
Surah Al-Masad consists of only five verses. Here is the Arabic text, transliteration and English translation of the surah:
Transliteration:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
❁تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ
❁مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ
❁سَيَصْلَىٰ نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ
❁وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ
❁فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ
Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
Tabbat yadaa abee Lahabinw-wa tabb
Maa aghnaa ‘anhu maaluhoo wa ma kasab
Sa-yaslaa naaran zaata lahab
Wamra-atuhoo hammaa latal-hatab
Fee jeedihaa hablum mim-masad
Translation:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and he himself perish!
Neither his wealth nor worldly gains will benefit him.
He will burn in a flaming Fire,
and so will his wife, the carrier of thorny kindling,
around her neck will be a rope of palm-fibre.
Surah Al-Masad Meanings and Interpretations
Tabbat Yada Abi Lahabinw-Wa Tabb
The first verse of Surah Al-Masad states “Perish the hands of Abu Lahab and perish he.” This is a statement of condemnation and a warning of divine punishment for Abu Lahab’s actions. It is also a message to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers that they will be protected from harm and that their enemies will be defeated.
Ma Agna Anhu Maluhu Wa Ma Kasab
The second verse of the surah translates to “His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.” This verse is a reminder that material possessions are temporary and do not provide ultimate salvation. It also serves as a warning to those who prioritize wealth and material success over their spiritual well-being.
Sayasla Naaran Thaata Lahab
The third verse of Surah Al-Masad describes the fate of Abu Lahab in the afterlife. It translates to “He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame.” This verse emphasizes the severity of Abu Lahab’s rejection of Islam and serves as a warning to others who oppose the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Wa Amra’atu Hu Hammalatal Hatab
The fourth verse of the surah translates to “And his wife [as well] – the carrier of firewood.” This verse is believed to be a reference to Umm Jamil, the wife of Abu Lahab. She was known for her active opposition to Islam and her efforts to harm the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers. The mention of her carrying firewood is believed to be a metaphor for the burden of sin that she carried as a result of her actions.
Fee Jeediha Hablum Mim Masad
The final verse of Surah Al-Masad describes a rope of twisted fiber around Umm Jamil’s neck. This rope was used to carry firewood, which was a menial task in the society of the time. The mention of the rope and the task of carrying firewood is believed to be a metaphor for the burdens that Umm Jamil will carry in the afterlife as a result of her opposition to Islam.
Significance and Lessons
Surah Al-Masad serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting faith and opposing the Prophet Muhammad. The surah is a warning to those who prioritize material wealth and social status over their spiritual well-being. It also serves as a message of hope and protection for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his followers.
What is the meaning of “Tabbat Yada Abi Lahab”?
“Tabbat Yada Abi Lahab” means “Perish the hands of Abu Lahab and perish him.” It is a statement of condemnation and a warning of divine punishment for Abu Lahab’s actions.
Who was Abu Lahab?
Abu Lahab was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncles and a prominent leader of the Quraysh. He was a fierce opponent of Islam and openly mocked and insulted the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers.
What is the significance of Surah Al-Masad?
Surah Al-Masad serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting faith and opposing the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is also a message of hope and protection for the Prophet Muhammad and his followers.
What is the lesson we can learn from Surah Al-Masad?
The surah is a warning to those who prioritize material wealth and social status over their spiritual well-being. It reminds us that material possessions are temporary and do not provide ultimate salvation.
How can we apply the lessons of Surah Al-Masad in our daily lives?
We can apply the lessons of Surah Al Masad by prioritizing our spiritual well-being over material possessions and social status. We should also strive to be kind and respectful to others, even those who oppose us.
