أَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِهِۦ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ طَاغُونَ 53
Translations
Did they suggest it to them? Rather, they [themselves] are a transgressing people.
Transliteration
Atawassaw bihi bal hum qawmun taghun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah questions whether the disbelievers enjoined one another to reject the Message, or if their transgression stems from their own nature as a rebellious people. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Allah is refuting any excuse the disbelievers might have—their rejection is not due to mutual conspiracy but rather their inherent arrogance and defiance (tughyan). Al-Qurtubi notes this reflects the Quran's recurring theme that disbelief arises from willful rebellion against clear signs, not from ignorance or misguidance by others.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Adh-Dhariyat, which addresses the deniers of the Resurrection and the Message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The broader passage (51:47-54) emphasizes Allah's power in creation and condemns the arrogance of those who reject divine signs. The specific context here responds to the stubborn rejection of the Quraysh, attributing their unified stance against Islam to their intrinsic nature of transgression rather than external pressure.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 4773: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding those who turn away from guidance: 'Whoever Allah guides, none can misguide him, and whoever Allah misguides, none can guide him.' This relates to the ayah's implication that rejection stems from internal spiritual disease rather than external factors.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that persistent rejection of truth often reflects spiritual arrogance rather than intellectual doubt, and that we should examine our own hearts for signs of tughyan (transgression) that might distance us from guidance and wisdom.