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Aal-i-ImraanThe Family of Imraan003surahعمران کا خاندان
Aal-i-Imraan | آل عِمۡرٰن | MaddinahMaddiniSerial: Revelation: 89Verses: 200Parah: 3,4Rukus: 20Sajda: ---
Vertical Arabic calligraphy of Ali Imran 3:90 about rejected repentance
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اِنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا بَعۡدَ اِيۡمَانِهِمۡ ثُمَّ ازۡدَادُوۡا كُفۡرًا لَّنۡ تُقۡبَلَ تَوۡبَتُهُمۡ‌ۚ وَاُولٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ الضَّآلُّوۡنَ‏

Word By Word —
inna
Indeed,
بیشک
alladhīna
those who
وہ لوگ

kafarū
disbelieved
جنہوں نے کفر کیا
baʿda
after
بعد
īmānihim
their belief
اپنے ایمان کے
thumma
then
پھر
iz'dādū
they increased
بڑھ گئے
kuf'ran
(in) disbelief
جنہوں نے کفر کیا
lan
never
ہرگز
tuq'bala
will be accepted
قبول کی جائے گی
tawbatuhum
their repentance
ان کی توہ
wa-ulāika
and those -
اور یہی لوگ ہیں
humu
they
وہ
l-ḍālūna
(are) those who have ne astray
جو بھٹکتے ہوئے ہیں

Inna allatheena kafaroo baAAda eemanihimthumma izdadoo kufran lan tuqbala tawbatuhum waola-ikahumu addalloon

——— Transliteration

What Does Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 90 Mean? - Common Questions & Answers

Explore the meaning, interpretation, and Islamic explanation of Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 90 from the Holy Quran. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this verse, its context, and significance in Islamic teachings.

❓Why is repentance rejected in Ali 'Imran 3:90?

The repentance mentioned in this verse is rejected because it concerns those who persistently apostatize - repeatedly believing and disbelieving in a pattern of increasing opposition to faith. According to Ibn Abbas, this was revealed about people who embraced Islam multiple times only to leave again. The rejection refers to insincere or deathbed repentance from persistent rebels, not genuine repentance from sincere seekers.

❓What does 'increasing in disbelief' (izzadadu kufran) mean?

The phrase 'thumma izzadadu kufran' means they not only apostatized but continued to grow in their opposition to faith. This indicates a deliberate pattern of escalating rejection rather than occasional lapses. The tafsir explains this describes those who, after witnessing clear proofs, actively choose to deepen their disbelief and opposition to divine guidance.

❓Who are 'those who went astray' mentioned in this verse?

The term 'ad-dallun' (those who went astray) refers to people who have completely lost spiritual direction through their own persistent choices. Unlike those who accidentally stray, these are individuals who deliberately abandon the path of truth despite having clear guidance. Their misguidance is a result of their repeated rejection of divine signs and messengers.

❓How does this verse relate to the previous verse about divine forgiveness?

This verse provides a stark contrast to verse 3:89 which promises forgiveness for sincere repentance. While 3:89 offers hope for those who genuinely repent and reform, 3:90 warns about those whose repentance is insincere or who persistently reject faith. This shows the difference between sincere seekers who stumble and persistent rebels who repeatedly reject guidance.

❓What are the historical circumstances of this verse's revelation?

According to Ibn Abbas in a hadith recorded by Al-Bazzar with satisfactory chain, this verse was revealed about people who repeatedly embraced Islam, apostatized, became Muslims again, then left Islam once more. They sent their representatives to ask the Prophet (peace be upon him) if their repentance could be accepted, and this verse was revealed in response to their inquiry.

❓Does this verse apply to all apostates or only specific types?

This verse specifically addresses persistent, repeated apostasy rather than single instances of leaving faith. The context and tafsir indicate it applies to those who make a pattern of believing and disbelieving, showing insincerity and rebellion rather than genuine spiritual struggle. It particularly warns against those who persistently reject clear guidance until death.

❓What is the significance of 'lan tuqbal' (never will be accepted)?

The emphatic Arabic negation 'lan tuqbal' (never will be accepted) indicates the absolute rejection of insincere repentance from persistent rebels. This doesn't negate Allah's mercy for genuine repentance but specifically addresses the futility of superficial repentance from those who repeatedly demonstrate insincerity and persistent opposition to divine guidance.

❓How should Muslims understand this verse's warning in practical terms?

This verse serves as a serious warning against treating faith casually or using repentance as an excuse for persistent sin. It encourages sincere commitment to faith and warns against the spiritual danger of repeatedly rejecting guidance. For Muslims, it emphasizes the importance of genuine, lasting commitment rather than superficial or temporary faith.
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