Surah Al-Muddaththir — Verse 19

Word Meanings:

• فَقُتِلَ (fa-qutila): Literally means "he was killed," but in this context it is a supplication (du'a) meaning "may he be cursed and destroyed" or "may Allah's curse and punishment be upon him."
• كَيْفَ قَدَّرَ (kayfa qaddara): "How he planned/calculated" — referring to the man's deliberate scheming and plotting in his mind to find fault with the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse is a powerful declaration of divine condemnation against a specific man — al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah — who was one of the most eloquent and respected figures among the Quraysh. When he heard the Qur'an, he was deeply impressed by its beauty and truth, yet his arrogance, tribal pride, and fear of losing his social status drove him to reject it. Instead of submitting to the truth, he sat down and began to scheme, turning the matter over in his mind, searching for a way to discredit the Qur'an and the Prophet. He wanted to find some flaw, some angle of attack, some excuse to dismiss the revelation — not because he genuinely doubted it, but because his ego refused to bow.

So Allah responds with a stern and sarcastic condemnation: "May he be cursed! How could he plan and scheme like this?" It is an expression of utter contempt and astonishment at his arrogance. The repetition of this curse in the following verses emphasizes how severely Allah views such deliberate rejection of truth after it has become clear. This man knew in his heart that the Qur'an was divine, yet he chose to fight against it out of pride and worldly interest.

The verse teaches us a profound lesson: that the greatest barrier to guidance is not ignorance, but arrogance. When a person knows the truth and still rejects it — or worse, tries to twist it and find excuses to dismiss it — they bring destruction upon themselves. Allah does not force anyone to believe, but He holds people accountable for what they do with the truth when it reaches them.

For us as believers, this verse is a reminder to approach the Qur'an with humility and an open heart. When we read it, we should not come with preconceived notions or a desire to argue — we should come seeking guidance, ready to submit. The Qur'an is not a book to be debated; it is a message to be embraced. And when we embrace it sincerely, Allah opens for us doors of wisdom, peace, and success in this life and the next.

This verse also carries a warning to those who mock or try to undermine the message of Islam: their scheming will not harm the truth, but it will certainly destroy them. The Qur'an has been preserved by Allah Himself, and no amount of human plotting can change that. So let us be among those who listen to the Qur'an with reverence, act upon it with sincerity, and call others to it with wisdom and kindness — for that is the path of success, both in this world and in the Hereafter.