What is the meaning of al-Shaqā' in the Quran?

Al-Shaqā' in the Quran refers to a state of profound wretchedness, misery, and spiritual suffering. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir, it is the direct consequence of turning away from Allah's guidance and its ultimate manifestation is in the Hellfire.

What is the difference between a trial (ibtila') and suffering (shaqā') in Islam?

In Islam, a trial (ibtila') is a test from Allah for a believer to elevate their rank and expiate sins. In contrast, suffering (shaqā') is not a test but a state of wretchedness and a consequence of disbelief and persistent disobedience, as explained by scholars.

What does the Quran say causes suffering and misery?

The Quran, particularly in Surah Taha (20:123-124), explicitly states that the cause of a 'straitened life' and ultimate misery (shaqā') is 'turning away from My Remembrance' (i.e., Allah's guidance). This choice leads to spiritual distress in this life and blindness in the Hereafter.

Suffering (al-Shaqā') in Islam: Quranic Perspective on Wretchedness

Suffering

الشقاء

Explore Verses Related to Suffering

🕋Taha20:2 🕋Taha20:117 🕋Taha20:123 🕋Al-Mu'minun23:106 🕋Al-A'la87:10 🕋Al-A'la87:11

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the concept of al-Shaqā' (الشقاء) denotes a state of profound wretchedness, misery, and spiritual suffering that stands as the antithesis of true happiness (sa'ādah). It is not to be confused with the trials (ibtilā') that believers face. Ibn Kathir's tafsir on verses like 20:123 clarifies that this suffering—manifesting as a 'straitened life' (ma'īshatan ḍankā) of spiritual anxiety—is the direct consequence for one who 'turns away from My Remembrance.' This understanding is supported by al-Tabari's linguistic analysis of the root letters, which signify toil and hardship. Across the Quranic narrative, from the warning to Adam to the laments of those in Hellfire, the synthesis of scholarly opinion establishes al-Shaqā' as a state of spiritual destitution resulting from the deliberate choice to reject divine guidance, culminating in eternal misery in the Hereafter.

📖 Quranic Context

A central concept defining the ultimate consequence of rejecting divine guidance, contrasting sharply with happiness (sa'ādah).

Represents a state of being distant from Allah's mercy, a direct result of human choice to disobey.

References: Key verses include 20:2, 20:117, 20:123, 23:106, 87:11.

💭 Theological Perspective

Not the inherent state (fitrah), but a condition acquired through deliberate actions of turning away from God.

Divine guidance is the sole preventative and cure for al-Shaqā'. Following it ensures one does not fall into this state.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Traditions link the signs of al-Shaqā' to spiritual diseases.

A hard heart (قساوة القلب)
Dryness of the eyes (جمود العين) from fear of Allah
Excessive worldly ambition (شدة الحرص)
Persistence in sin (الاصرار على الذنب)

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that al-Shaqā' is the outcome of rejecting faith and guidance.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quran is not the source of suffering, but its cure. The very first mention of the root in Surah Taha (20:2) is a negation: 'We have not sent down the Quran to you to cause you distress (li-tashqā)'. This frames the entire concept: revelation is the solution to, not the cause of, the wretchedness that comes from ignoring it.

— Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir

Suffering (al-Shaqā') is the inherited risk of free will, while Guidance is the inherited mercy. Adam was warned that disobedience would lead to this state of toil (20:117). When he was sent down, he was immediately given the tool to avoid it for his descendants: divine guidance (20:123). This shows a perfect balance of divine justice and mercy.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi