Transliteration:( Falammaa nasoo maa zukkiroo bihee fatahnaa 'alaihim abwaaba kulli shai'in hattaaa izaa farihoo bimaaa ootooo akhaznaahum baghtatan fa izaa hum mublisoon )
"Then, when they forgot what they had been reminded of, We opened the gates of all things for them [85]. Until, when they rejoiced at what they were given [86], We seized them suddenly [87], and they were left in despair." [88]
When people turn away from reminders, Allah sometimes responds not with immediate punishment, but by granting them ease and abundance. This worldly comfort, despite their disobedience, becomes a form of Divine wrath. It leads to greater negligence and boldness in sin, even to the extent that they believe their sins are justified because they’re still receiving blessings—an attitude that amounts to blasphemy. In contrast, hardships for the pious are a form of mercy, elevating their spiritual rank.
To rejoice over blessings with arrogance and pride is the way of the disbelievers. But if one rejoices with gratitude, it is a sign of piety and thankfulness. As Allah says: “And publicise well the favours of your Lord” (Surah 93:11), and “Only upon Allah’s grace and mercy should they rejoice” (Surah 10:58). This verse refers to the first case—rejoicing out of self-glory, not gratitude.
The disbelievers, lost in enjoyment, are then suddenly seized by Divine punishment. This is referred to as “seizure” in the Qur’an and represents the moment of destruction for the unbeliever—unlike the believer, whose death is called Wafaat (completion), Wisaal (union), or Shahadat (martyrdom). The disbeliever’s death is destruction, wrecking, and extinction.
While sudden death may seem like a punishment for those who are heedless, as it deprives them of the chance to repent, it can be a mercy for the righteous, sparing them the pain of illness. The sudden deaths of Prophets like Sulaiman, Musa, and Uzair (peace be upon them) were examples of merciful transitions, not punishments. Thus, sudden death varies in meaning depending on the spiritual state of the individual.
The tafsir of Surah Al-Anam verse 44 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Anam ayat 40 which provides the complete commentary from verse 40 through 45.
(6:44) So, when they forgot what they had been reminded of, We opened the gates of all things so that while they rejoiced in what they had been granted We seized them suddenly and they were plunged into utter despair.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[304]- i.e., their trial by poverty and hardship or the warnings of their prophets.
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