Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Abasa is a Makkan surah that begins with a correction from Allah to the Prophet ﷺ regarding an incident with a blind companion. The surah teaches an important lesson about giving attention to those who sincerely seek guidance. It also reminds mankind of their creation, the blessings Allah provides, and the reality of the Day of Judgment when people will be divided into two groups.
The Incident of the Blind Companion (Verses 1–10)
Allah says
“He frowned and turned away
because there came to him the blind man.
And how can you know that he might become pure?
Or he might receive admonition, and the admonition might profit him.”
(Qur’an 80:1–4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these verses were revealed when the Prophet ﷺ was speaking with one of the leaders of Quraysh, hoping that he would accept Islam.
While he was speaking, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, who was blind and among the early Muslims, began asking the Messenger of Allah about something, urgently beseeching him.
The Prophet ﷺ hoped that the leader of Quraysh might accept Islam, so he asked Ibn Umm Maktum to wait until he finished speaking. Because of this, he frowned and turned his attention toward the other man.
Allah then revealed these verses reminding His Messenger ﷺ that he may attain purification and cleanliness in his soul and receive admonition and abstain from the forbidden.
Allah then says
“As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient,
to him you attend.
What does it matter to you if he will not become pure?
But as for him who came to you running
And is afraid.
Of him you are neglectful and divert your attention to another.”
(Qur’an 80:5–10)
Ibn Kathir explains that the wealthy leader believed himself to be independent and self-sufficient, while the blind man came sincerely seeking knowledge and guidance. Through these verses Allah teaches that the message should be conveyed equally to all people, whether they are rich or poor.
The Honor of the Qur’an (Verses 11–16)
Allah says
“Nay; indeed it is an admonition.
So, whoever wills, let him pay attention to Him (it).
In Records held in honor,
exalted and purified,
in the hands of ambassadors,
Honorable and obedient.”
(Qur’an 80:11–16)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the Qur’an is a reminder and an admonition for mankind.
“In honored records” means that the Qur’an is preserved in noble and respected pages.
“Exalted and purified” means it is elevated in status and protected from impurity, additions, or deficiencies.
“In the hands of ambassadors” refers to the angels who carry the revelation from Allah. They are noble and obedient servants who faithfully deliver the message of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said that the one who recites the Qur’an fluently will be with the noble and righteous angels, while the one who struggles while reciting will receive two rewards.
Man’s Creation and Ingratitude (Verses 17–22)
Allah says
“Qutila mankind! How ungrateful he is!
From what thing did He create him?
From a Nutfah He created him and then set him in due proportion.
Then He made the path easy for him.
Then He causes him to die and puts him in his grave.
Then when it is His will, He will resurrect him.”
(Qur’an 80:17–22)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah rebukes the disbelieving human being for his ingratitude and denial of the resurrection.
Allah reminds mankind that they were created from a small drop of fluid. Despite this humble origin, many people still deny the One who created them.
“Then He made the path easy for him” has been explained by scholars in two ways. Some said it refers to Allah making birth easy when a child emerges from the womb. Others explained that it refers to Allah clarifying the path of guidance for mankind.
Allah then reminds man of death and resurrection.
After death, Allah places the human being in the grave, and when Allah wills, He will resurrect him for judgment.
Reflecting on Allah’s Provision (Verses 24–32)
Allah says
“Then let man look at his food.
We pour forth water in abundance,
And We split the earth in clefts.
And We cause therein Habb to grow,
And grapes and Qadb,
and olives and date palms,
And Ghulb Hada’iq,
And fruits (Fakihah) and herbage (Abb).
A provision and benefit for you and your cattle.”
(Qur’an 80:24–32)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah calls mankind to reflect upon the food they eat.
Rain falls from the sky, the earth splits open, and plants grow from the ground. Through this process Allah brings forth many types of crops and fruits.
These include grains, grapes, olives, date palms, gardens, and other vegetation.
All of these are provisions from Allah for both human beings and their animals.
The revival of plants from dead earth is also a proof that Allah has the power to resurrect the dead on the Day of Judgment.
The Terror of the Day of Judgment (Verses 33–37)
Allah says
“Then when there comes As-Sakhkhah
that Day a man will flee from his brother,
and from his mother and his father,
and from his wife and his children.
Every man that Day will have enough to make him careless of others.”
(Qur’an 80:33–37)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the “Deafening Blast” refers to the tremendous sound of the Day of Judgment.
The terror of that Day will be so overwhelming that people will flee even from their closest relatives.
A person will flee from his brother, his parents, his spouse, and even his children.
Every individual will be completely occupied with his own situation and the judgment that awaits him.
The Two Groups on the Day of Judgment (Verses 38–42)
Allah says
“Some faces that Day will be bright,
laughing and rejoicing at good news.
And other faces that Day will be dust-stained.
Darkness will cover them.
Such will be the disbelieving, the wicked evil doers.”
(Qur’an 80:38–42)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that on the Day of Judgment mankind will be divided into two groups.
Some faces will be bright and joyful. These are the believers whose hearts will be filled with happiness because of the reward that Allah has prepared for them in Paradise.
Other faces will be dark and covered with dust and gloom. These are the disbelievers whose hearts rejected the truth and whose actions were evil.
Their condition on that Day will reflect the disbelief that they carried in their hearts and the wicked deeds they committed in their lives.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah ‘Abasa (80).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah ‘Abasa.