يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ وَٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا 1
Translations
O Prophet, fear Allāh and do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha an-nabiyyu ittaqi-Allah wa la tuti al-kafireen wa al-munafiqeen. Inna-Allah kana aliman hakiman.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Al-Ahzab directly addresses Prophet Muhammad, commanding him to have taqwa (God-consciousness) and to refuse obedience to disbelievers and hypocrites. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this instruction serves as both a spiritual directive and a practical guideline during the challenging period of the Battle of the Ahzab (Confederates), reminding the Prophet and the believers that ultimate authority rests with Allah alone, not with the threats or deceptions of enemies.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in the Medinan period, primarily addressing the events surrounding the Battle of the Ahzab (also called the Battle of the Trench) in the 5th year of Hijrah, when the Prophet faced coalition forces and internal hypocrites. The opening ayah sets the tone for the surah's themes of steadfastness and loyalty during trials.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who have the best taqwa (God-consciousness),' emphasizing the primacy of taqwa mentioned in this ayah. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records hadiths about the Prophet's steadfastness against pressure from disbelievers and hypocrites.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that authentic piety requires unwavering commitment to Allah's guidance regardless of social pressure, opposition, or the persuasive words of those who reject faith. Modern readers should recognize that maintaining taqwa means prioritizing divine values over peer pressure, worldly interests, or the influence of those whose intentions conflict with Islamic principles.