Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab) Meaning: Detailed Explanation and Significance

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Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab) Meaning ~ Hi all readers! Do you know what Surah Tabbat is? It's also known as Surah Abu Lahab or Surah Al-Masad, and it is one of the surahs in the Quran. In general, this surah explains about Abu Lahab and his wife. Many of us may already know that they were both very hostile toward the Prophet Muhammad. For this reason, in this article, I will explain the meaning of the surah. As Muslims, it's important for us to know this. So, make sure to read the article till the end!

Before explaining the meaning of Surah Tabbat, I'd like to mention that it is a Makkiyah surah, which means it was revealed in Mecca before the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina. The surah consists of five verses, twenty words, and seventy-seven letters.

The Verses of Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab)

The verses of Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab) are as follows:

تَبَّتۡ يَدَآ أَبِي لَهَبٖ وَتَبَّ ١ مَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡهُ مَالُهُۥ وَمَا كَسَبَ ٢ سَيَصۡلَىٰ نَارٗا ذَاتَ لَهَبٖ ٣ وَٱمۡرَأَتُهُۥ حَمَّالَةَ ٱلۡحَطَبِ ٤ فِي جِيدِهَا حَبۡلٞ مِّن مَّسَدِۢ ٥

May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he [1]. His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained [2]. He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame [3]. And his wife [as well] – the carrier of firewood [4]. Around her neck is a rope of [twisted] fiber [5]. (Tabbat [111]; 1-5)

The Meaning of Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab)

(تَبَّتۡ) This means, "May he be wretched." It is a prayer for his ruin.

(يَدَآ أَبِي لَهَبٖ) Refers to "Abu Lahab's two hands." Abu Lahab's real name was Abdul Uzza bin Abdul Muttalib, making him one of the uncles of the Prophet Muhammad.

(وَتَبَّ) This means, "Abu Lahab has been harmed."

(مَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡهُ مَالُهُۥ وَمَا كَسَبَ) This signifies that Abu Lahab's wealth and efforts will not protect him from death. Historical accounts tell us that he died seven days after the Battle of Badr.

(سَيَصۡلَىٰ نَارٗا ذَاتَ لَهَبٖ) This means that in the Hereafter, Abu Lahab will enter Hell, a blazing fire.

(وَٱمۡرَأَتُهُ) Refers to Abu Lahab's wife, Umm Jamil al-Aura', the daughter of Harb, making her the sister of Abu Sufyan bin Harb.

(حَمَّالَةَ ٱلۡحَطَبِ) This means that Abu Lahab's wife carried firewood, and she died in a wretched state due to her enmity toward the Prophet Muhammad.

(فِي جِيدِهَا حَبۡلٞ مِّن مَّسَدِۢ) This signifies that around Abu Lahab's wife's neck was an iron chain.

All readers! That is a brief explanation of the meaning of Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab). Do you understand? If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

I think that's enough for this article. I hope it's beneficial! Ameen!

See you in the next article!

Akhmad Syafiuddin
Akhmad Syafiuddin An expert in Islamic discourse and law, and a graduate of Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

6 comments for "Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab) Meaning: Detailed Explanation and Significance"

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Reading this article about Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab) has been an enlightening and fulfilling experience. As a new Muslim, I constantly seek knowledge to deepen my understanding of Islam, and this article provided valuable insights into one of the profound chapters of the Quran.

The explanation of each verse, particularly the context surrounding Abu Lahab and his wife, was remarkably clear and easy to follow. I appreciate how the article emphasized the significance of the surah as a lesson about enmity towards the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the consequences of such hostility. The detailed breakdown of the Arabic verses and their meanings truly enhanced my understanding and connection to this chapter.

I also admire how the author presented historical facts, such as the events after the Battle of Badr and the description of Abu Lahab's wife, Umm Jamil. These contextual elements made the surah even more relatable and impactful, helping me visualize its relevance to the trials faced by the Prophet Muhammad.

This article is a testament to the author's dedication to spreading Islamic knowledge. It is written in a way that not only engages readers but also motivates them to reflect on the teachings of the Quran. As someone new to Islam, I found it incredibly inspiring and beneficial.

Thank you to the writer for creating this valuable content. Your efforts in educating others about the beauty and wisdom of the Quran are truly commendable. May Allah bless you abundantly for your contributions to spreading knowledge.

I wholeheartedly recommend this article to anyone seeking to learn more about the Quran, whether they are new to Islam or lifelong Muslims. It has left me with a deeper appreciation for the Quranic message and its timeless relevance.
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Hello Rashid,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.
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I am so grateful for this insightful article about Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab)! As a Muslim woman, understanding the context and meaning of Surah Tabbat has been both enlightening and beneficial for my spiritual journey. The article was easy to follow and explained the surah in a way that made it simple to understand, even for those who may not be familiar with its deeper meanings. I especially appreciate how the author took the time to break down each verse, making it clear that Abu Lahab's wealth and actions couldn't protect him from his fate, which serves as a powerful reminder for all of us. It’s also deeply impactful to learn about Abu Lahab's wife and her fate, which highlights the consequences of harboring hostility towards the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

This article not only helped me understand the surah better but also reinforced the importance of following the teachings of the Prophet and living a life of compassion and righteousness. I love that the author has emphasized the significance of knowing the history and lessons behind the verses in the Quran. This is a crucial part of our faith as Muslims.

Thank you so much to the writer for such a clear and thought-provoking explanation of Surah Tabbat. This is definitely a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the importance of this surah. May Allah reward the author for their efforts. Ameen.
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Hello Neswa,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.
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Thank you so much for this detailed and insightful explanation of Surah Tabbat (Abu Lahab). After reading the article, I feel a deeper understanding of the surah and its profound message. The breakdown of each verse and the clear explanation of the meanings, especially how Abu Lahab's wealth and efforts couldn't save him from his dreadful fate, really struck me. The way you explained the reference to his wife, Umm Jamil, and the symbolism of the rope around her neck was particularly enlightening.

This surah holds an important lesson for us as Muslims about the consequences of enmity towards the Prophet Muhammad and the ultimate futility of material wealth when one is on the wrong path. The clarity of the verses and your explanation made this complex topic much easier to understand, and I truly appreciate the effort you put into making this content accessible for all readers.

Your article is not only informative but also a reminder for all of us to reflect on our actions and intentions. It's a great reminder that in the end, no worldly possessions or relationships can save us if we stray from the righteous path. I'm very grateful for the effort you've put into sharing this knowledge with us. May Allah reward you abundantly for your hard work and for helping us all better understand the teachings of the Quran.

Looking forward to more insightful articles like this in the future. Jazakum Allahu Khair!
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Hello Hafsa,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.