A Reflection on Hadith and Exegetical Content of the Verse "Ya Laytani Kuntu Turaba"

There are numerous traditions interpreting the final part of the verse "Ya Laytani Kuntu Turaba". A disbeliever will not be able to endure the vehemence of Hell and will say, "Ya laytani kuntu turaba," which means, "I wish I were dust" (An-Naba' 40). This verse expresses the wish of the unbeliever on the Day of Judgment: I wish we were dust. In total, there are five hadith statements on the interpretation of the verse which have been studied in this paper. Some of these traditions lack the chain of transmission and some others have weak chain of transmission. There is only one correct chain of transmission among them. Given the context, it can be regarded as the inner example and interpretation of the verse. It is noteworthy that nonhadith interpretive statements are also discussed in this paper.