Transliteration:( Mataa'un qaleelun summa ma'waahum Jahannam; wa bi'sal mihaad )
“It is but a brief enjoyment for the disbelievers. Their abode is Hell, and what an evil resting place.” [450]
This verse was revealed in response to a genuine concern of the Muslims, who were experiencing poverty, hardship, and sacrifice in the path of Allah, while the disbelievers seemed to enjoy a life of ease and luxury.
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ asked:
“Why do we, the people of faith, face such difficulties while those who reject Allah live in comfort?”
Allah answers this grievance by making it clear:
The worldly wealth of the disbelievers is temporary, fleeting, and deceptive—like sugarcoated poison.
This apparent success is not a true reward, but a test or even a trap that leads them further away from salvation.
Their real outcome is terrifying:
Their final abode is Hell,
And it is described as a “terrible resting place”, full of disgrace and torment.
The message is clear:
Do not envy the luxury of disbelievers,
True and eternal success lies in faith and the Hereafter, not in temporary worldly gain.
The tafsir of Surah Imran verse 197 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Imran ayat 196 which provides the complete commentary from verse 196 through 198.
(3:197) This is but a little enjoyment, then their destination is Hell -what an evil resting place!
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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