Quran-96:16 Surah Al-alaq English Translation,Transliteration and Tafsir(Tafseer).

نَاصِيَةٖ كَٰذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٖ

Transliteration:( Nasiyatin kazi batin khaatiah )

16.The forelock, due to sinfulness and falsifying [16], (Kanzul Imaan Translation)

(16) A lying, sinning forelock. (Saheen International Translation)

Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics

Surah Al-Alaq Ayat 16 Tafsir (Commentry)



  • Tafseer-e-Naeemi (Ahmad Yaar Khan)
  • Ibn Kathir
  • Ala-Madudi
  • Shaheen International

Yes, If He Desisted Not, We Will Surely Drag Him (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:15-16)

Meaning and Explanation:

This verse emphasizes that if Abu Jahl continues to harm the Prophet ﷺ, he will face a severe punishment. Allah says that if he does not desist, He will drag him by his forelock — a reference to the most visible and noble part of the human body. The forelock here symbolizes arrogance and pride, qualities that led Abu Jahl to oppose the Prophet ﷺ.

The dragging by the forelock signifies humiliation and disgrace, marking the end of his pride and arrogance. The punishment could occur on the Day of Judgement, or, as it historically happened, after his death at the Battle of Badr, where his head was severed and publicly displayed. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Masood, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, is said to have dragged Abu Jahl's head in disgrace after his death, fulfilling the prophecy of the verse.

Key Lessons and Insights:

  1. The Worst Sin:

    • The act of causing harm to the Prophet ﷺ is presented as the gravest sin in this verse. No other sin carries such a humiliation in punishment. The specific punishment of dragging by the forelock is a mark of extreme disgrace reserved for those who oppose and harm the Prophet ﷺ.
  2. Divine Justice:

    • The verse underscores that Allah Himself will take vengeance on behalf of His beloved Prophet ﷺ. Despite being carried out by humans, the punishment is attributed to Allah, indicating His ultimate control and authority over the actions of all creation.
  3. Significance of the Forelock:

    • The forelock represents pride, arrogance, and rebellion, which is why it is highlighted in this verse. The act of dragging by the forelock symbolizes the humiliation of those who let pride lead them into defiance against Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. It shows that even those who appear mighty in this world will face ultimate humiliation in the Hereafter if they oppose the truth.
  4. Allah's Will in His Servants’ Actions:

    • Even though it was Hazrat Abdullah ibn Masood who physically dragged Abu Jahl’s head, the verse attributes the action to Allah, showing that Allah’s will governs all actions, whether through His angels, His Prophets, or His righteous servants. It demonstrates that Allah’s retribution is swift and sure when His Messenger is harmed.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that opposition to the Prophet ﷺ, fueled by pride and arrogance, leads to severe consequences and that Allah’s justice will always prevail.

Ibn-Kathir

The tafsir of Surah Alaq verse 16 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Alaq ayat 6 which provides the complete commentary from verse 6 through 19.


Ala-Maududi

(96:16) by the lying forelock steeped in sin.[13]


13. The forelock here implies the person with the forelock.

(16) A lying, sinning forelock.

Surah Al-Alaq All Ayat (Verses)

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