Tafsir of Luqman 31:6

Surah Luqman (31): Verse 6

When it was established that the Qur'an is a Book of Wisdom containing verses of wisdom, the text then explains the state of the disbelievers:

That they abandon this (wisdom) and occupy themselves with something else. Furthermore, what they do reveals the ugliness of their actions in several ways:

1. First: Abandoning wisdom and engaging in idle talk is inherently ugly.
2. Second: If that talk is mere amusement with no benefit, it is even more reprehensible.
3. Third: Amusement might sometimes be intended for relief/recreation. It is narrated from Ibn Abbas that he said, "Recreate yourselves (literally: 'apply astringent/sourness' - meaning, seek relief)." It is also narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: "Give respite to your hearts from time to time," narrated by al-Daylami from Anas (as a marfu' hadith). This is supported by what is in Sahih Muslim: "O Hanthalah, an hour for this and an hour for that." The common people understand this as an injunction permitting lightheartedness. The elite, however, say it is an injunction to look toward the side of Truth, as true relief comes only through it.

Since their intention was solely misguidance, as stated by the verse: {to mislead from the way of Allah}, their action (of choosing idle talk) becomes even more deeply ugly.

Then the Almighty said: {without knowledge} (بغير علم). This refers back to the "buying" (شراء), meaning he buys idle talk without knowledge.

{and takes it} (ويتخذها) meaning he takes the path (the way of misguidance) {those, for them will be a humiliating punishment} (أولئك لهم عذاب مهين).

The phrase {humiliating} (muhīn) is an indication of something implying permanence. This is because if a king orders the punishment of one of his slaves, and the executioner knows that the slave will return to the king's service and the king will not keep him imprisoned, the executioner will treat him with respect and lighten his punishment. However, if the executioner knows that the slave will not return to his former state and his master's decree regarding him is final, he will not show him respect.

The statement {a humiliating punishment} points to this distinction. This is how the punishment of the believer differs from the punishment of the disbeliever. For the punishment of the believer is intended for purification, and thus it is not humiliating.

{And when Our verses are recited to him, he turns away in arrogance, as if he had not heard them, as if there were deafness in his ears. So give him tidings of a painful punishment.}