Surah Al-Ma'idah — Ayah 60 (5:60)

English translation (Saheeh International)

Say, "Shall I inform you of [what is] worse than that¹ as penalty from Allāh? [It is that of] those whom Allāh has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and pigs and slaves of ṭāghūt.² Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way."

1. Referring to the punishment the People of the Scripture (in their censure of the Muslims) claimed was deserved by them.
2. See footnote to 2:256.

Brief commentary

Say, O Messenger: Shall I tell you about those who are more at fault and whose punishment is worse than these people? They are their predecessors whom Allah has removed from His mercy, transformed into monkeys and pigs and made some of them worshippers of false gods. The Arabic word ţāghūt refers to any being that is worshipped besides Allah with its consent. Those mentioned will be in a worse position on the Day of Judgement and their efforts are further away from the straight path.