The Majestic Quran

111. Al-Lahab The Flames This is a Makkan chapter. Abu Lahab was the uncle of the Prophet r but a bitter enemy. He had considerable influence in the city. One day, the Prophet r was preaching on Mount Safa near the Kaaba to an attentive crowd. He was inviting them to believe in one God, and to accept him as the Messenger r . Abu Lahab could not contain himself and shouted, “Damn you! Is this what you wanted to tell us?” This chapter, in contrast to other Quranic chapters, was revealed to condemn his outrageous behaviour. In other places, the Prophet r and the Muslims are instructed to be patient, but here God directly confronts this abuser of His beloved Messenger r , and by naming him, shames him. Unfortunately, Abu Lahab and his wife continued their animosity until the end. Here God is showing His support for the Messenger r and severely condemning his enemies. “Abu Lahab’s hands are broken” is an idiom for “his hands are paralysed so he will not be able to confront.” In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. A L 1 Abu Lahab’s hands are broken, he’s ruined. 2 Neither his wealth nor his achievements will help him. 3 Soon he will enter the Flaming Fire; 4 so will his wife, the firewood-carrier – 5 she will have a rope of palm-fibre around her neck.