Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Masad is a Makkan surah that speaks about the fate of Abu Lahab, one of the uncles of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who strongly opposed Islam and harmed the Messenger of Allah. The surah warns about his punishment and the punishment of his wife because of their disbelief and hostility toward the Prophet.
The Destruction of Abu Lahab (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab and perish he!
His wealth and his children will not benefit him!
He will enter a Fire full of flames.”
(Qur’an 111:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this surah was revealed after an incident when the Prophet ﷺ gathered the Quraysh and warned them about the coming punishment if they rejected Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ asked them if they would believe him if he warned them about an approaching enemy. When they confirmed they trusted his truthfulness, he warned them of the punishment of Allah.
At that moment, Abu Lahab responded with anger and said:
“Have you gathered us for this? May you perish!”
Because of this statement and his opposition to the message of Islam, Allah revealed this surah declaring his destruction.
The phrase “Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab” is both a supplication against him and a statement of his eventual ruin.
Abu Lahab was the uncle of the Messenger of Allah. His real name was Abdul-Uzza bin Abdul-Muttalib, and he was called Abu Lahab because of the brightness of his face. Despite being related to the Prophet, he constantly harmed and mocked him.
Allah also states that his wealth and children will not benefit him. Some scholars explained that the word kasab refers to his children, meaning neither his wealth nor his family will save him from punishment.
The Punishment of Abu Lahab’s Wife (Verses 4–5)
Allah says:
“And his wife too, who carries wood.
In her neck is a twisted rope of Masad.”
(Qur’an 111:4–5)
Explanation
Abu Lahab’s wife was Umm Jamil, whose name was Arwah bint Harb, the sister of Abu Sufyan. She supported her husband in his disbelief and hostility toward the Prophet ﷺ.
Because of her actions, she will also be punished.
The verse “who carries wood” has been explained as meaning she will carry firewood to increase the punishment of her husband in Hell.
Some scholars also mentioned that she used to place thorns in the path of the Messenger of Allah to harm him.
Allah then says:
“In her neck is a twisted rope of Masad.”
The word Masad refers to a rope made from fibers or similar materials. Some scholars explained it as a rope of palm fiber, while others said it will be a chain or collar used in punishment.
An Incident Showing Her Hostility
A report mentions that when this surah was revealed, Umm Jamil came angrily with a stone intending to harm the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ was sitting with Abu Bakr near the Ka‘bah. Abu Bakr feared she might see him, but the Prophet ﷺ said she would not see him. Allah placed a barrier so that she could not see him even though she was standing near him.
This is similar to the verse:
“And when you recite the Qur’an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter an invisible veil.” (17:45)
She then spoke to Abu Bakr complaining about the Prophet but eventually left without seeing him.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Masad (111).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Masad.