Surah An-Nisaa 4:18 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 18
Arabic Text
وَلَيۡسَتِ التَّوۡبَةُ لِلَّذِيۡنَ يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ السَّيِّاٰتِۚ حَتّٰىۤ اِذَا حَضَرَ اَحَدَهُمُ الۡمَوۡتُ قَالَ اِنِّىۡ تُبۡتُ الۡــٰٔنَ وَلَا الَّذِيۡنَ يَمُوۡتُوۡنَ وَهُمۡ كُفَّارٌؕ اُولٰٓٮِٕكَ اَعۡتَدۡنَا لَهُمۡ عَذَابًا اَلِيۡمًا
Transliteration
Walaysati attawbatu lillatheenayaAAmaloona assayyi-ati hatta ithahadara ahadahumu almawtu qala inneetubtu al-ana wala allatheena yamootoonawahum kuffarun ola-ika aAAtadna lahum AAathabanaleema
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:18 establishes the clear boundaries of Allah's acceptance of repentance, stating that repentance is not accepted from two categories: those who persist in evil deeds until death approaches them and then say 'Now I repent,' and those who die while they are disbelievers. This verse follows the previous ayah's promise of accepted repentance, creating a complete framework of divine justice. The first category includes those who live a life of continuous sin without genuine reformation, only attempting repentance when facing death and seeing the angels of death approach. As classical scholars explain, this is like Pharaoh's declaration of faith while drowning - too late to be meaningful. The second category encompasses those who reject faith entirely until death, having wasted their entire opportunity for guidance. The verse concludes that for such people, Allah has prepared 'a painful torment' (adhaban aleema) - punishment that is severe, eternal, and enormous. This divine justice demonstrates that repentance must be sincere and timely, not merely a desperate last resort when consequences become unavoidable.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 18 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 18
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓When does Allah not accept repentance according to An-Nisa 4:18?
Allah does not accept repentance from two categories of people: 1) Those who continue doing evil deeds throughout their lives until death approaches them, and only then say 'Now I repent,' and 2) Those who die while they are disbelievers. The first group represents those who persist in sin without genuine reformation until facing death, while the second includes those who reject faith entirely until their final breath.
❓Why is deathbed repentance rejected in Islamic teaching?
Deathbed repentance is rejected because it lacks sincerity and genuine reform. When someone sees death approaching and the angels of death becoming visible, their repentance becomes an act of desperation rather than genuine spiritual transformation. True repentance requires sincere remorse, abandonment of sin, and resolve to reform - none of which can be demonstrated when death is imminent and there's no opportunity to prove genuine change.
❓What happens to those who continue sinning until death according to this verse?
Those who continue sinning until death face divine rejection of their last-minute repentance attempts. The verse states that Allah has prepared for them 'a painful torment' (adhaban aleema) - punishment that is severe, eternal, and enormous. Their continuous defiance of Allah throughout life, followed by desperate repentance only when consequences become unavoidable, renders their repentance worthless.
❓Why do those who die as disbelievers face painful punishment?
Those who die as disbelievers face painful punishment because they wasted their entire lifetime opportunity for guidance and faith. According to Ibn Abbas and other scholars, this refers specifically to those who persist in shirk (associating partners with Allah) and kufr (disbelief) until death. Their rejection of divine guidance throughout life, despite receiving clear signs and opportunities, leads to divine justice in the form of eternal punishment.
❓What is the difference between timely and late repentance in Islam?
Timely repentance occurs during one's healthy lifetime when there's genuine opportunity for spiritual reform and changed behavior. It demonstrates sincere remorse, immediate abandonment of sin, and firm resolve to avoid future wrongdoing. Late repentance refers to desperate attempts at repentance when death approaches, the angels become visible, and there's no real opportunity to demonstrate genuine change. The timing matters because true repentance must allow for proof of sincere spiritual transformation.
❓How does divine justice work for unrepentant sinners according to this verse?
Divine justice operates on the principle that Allah gives people ample opportunity for repentance throughout their lives, but this opportunity has limits. Those who persist in evil despite warnings and opportunities, then attempt repentance only when facing unavoidable consequences, face rejection of their repentance. Allah has already prepared their punishment - showing that divine justice is both perfect and inevitable for those who abuse His mercy and patience.
❓What examples exist of rejected deathbed confessions in Islamic teaching?
The most famous example is Pharaoh, who declared belief in Allah while drowning in the sea after pursuing Moses and the Israelites. As mentioned in Quran 40:84-85, when people see Allah's punishment, they declare faith, but this declaration brings no benefit because the time for acceptance has passed. Classical tafsir uses Pharaoh's example to illustrate how deathbed confessions, made out of desperation rather than genuine spiritual conviction, are not accepted by Allah.
❓Why is the timing of repentance so important in Islamic teaching?
Timing is crucial because repentance must demonstrate genuine spiritual transformation and sincere intent to reform. When repentance occurs during healthy life, it allows the person to prove their sincerity through changed behavior and sustained righteousness. Deathbed repentance lacks this opportunity for demonstration and often stems from fear of consequences rather than genuine spiritual awakening. The verse emphasizes that repentance must be proactive, not reactive to imminent divine judgment.
❓What does 'painful torment' mean in the context of divine punishment?
The Arabic term 'adhaban aleema' (painful torment) refers to punishment that is severe, eternal, and enormous in scope. Classical scholars explain this as divine retribution that is proportionate to the gravity of rejecting Allah's mercy and wasting opportunities for guidance. The punishment is 'painful' not just physically but spiritually, representing the ultimate consequence of choosing persistent rebellion over submission to Allah. It serves as both justice for the unrepentant and a warning for those who still have time to seek genuine forgiveness.
Translations & Commentary
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