أَرَءَيْتَ إِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰٓ 13
Translations
Have you seen if he denies and turns away -
Transliteration
Ara-ayta in kadhdhaba wa-tawalla
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question to the listener: 'Have you seen [considered] the one who denies and turns away?' It refers to those who reject the message of the Quran and deliberately turn away from guidance, particularly referencing Abu Jahl and the disbelievers of Makkah who actively opposed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this ayah highlights the severity of willful rejection and arrogance against divine truth, setting the stage for the warnings that follow in the subsequent ayahs about the consequences of such behavior.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-'Alaq, the first chapter revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), though this particular ayah comes from the later portion of the surah revealed in Makkah. The context addresses the Makkan opposition to the Prophet's message, particularly from prominent disbelievers who rejected the Quran despite its clear signs. The surah transitions from the initial revelation about learning through reading to confronting active rejection and rebellion against divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of Abu Jahl's rejection is referenced in multiple sources where the Quran explicitly addresses those who 'deny and turn away.' In Sahih Bukhari and other collections, there are reports of how Abu Jahl and other Qurayshi leaders actively opposed the Prophet despite knowing the truth, exemplifying the behavior described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting divine guidance due to arrogance or social pressure leads to spiritual ruin, and it calls us to examine our own hearts for signs of denial or negligence in following the path of truth. The contrast between those who accept guidance and those who deliberately turn away emphasizes that belief is not merely intellectual assent but requires sincere commitment and obedience.