وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 55
Translations
And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.
Transliteration
Wa-dhakkir fa-inna adh-dhikrá tanfa'u al-mu'minín
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to continue reminding and exhorting the believers, assuring him that such reminders benefit the faithful. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that dhikr (remembrance/admonition) serves as a spiritual remedy and guidance for those whose hearts are receptive to truth, even if it does not affect the disbelievers. The ayah acknowledges that while reminders may not benefit the stubborn rejectors, they are invaluable for strengthening the faith and resolve of genuine believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Adh-Dhariyat, which is a Meccan chapter addressing the reality of the Hereafter and divine punishment. It comes in the context of the Prophet being instructed to persist in his message despite rejection from the disbelievers of Mecca, offering him reassurance that his efforts to remind the believers are never in vain.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best remembrance is La ilaha illallah (There is no deity except Allah)' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet emphasized the importance of reminding believers of their faith as a means of increasing their certainty and spiritual awareness.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers and preachers that sincere reminders of faith are a form of spiritual medicine that strengthens the hearts of the faithful, encouraging persistence in da'wah (Islamic outreach) despite apparent resistance. Modern readers should recognize that meaningful reminders of God's teachings benefit those who genuinely seek guidance, making continuous reflection and mutual encouragement among believers essential practices for spiritual growth.