كَلَّا لَئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ لَنَسْفَعًۢا بِٱلنَّاصِيَةِ 15
Translations
No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock
Transliteration
Kallā lain lam yantahi lanasfa'an bi-an-nāsiyah
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah declares a stern warning against the disbeliever who forbids the Prophet from prayer, stating that if he does not cease his opposition, Allah will seize him by the forelock—a metaphorical expression signifying complete subjugation and humiliation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a threat of severe punishment in this life or the Hereafter, with the forelock (nāsiyah) symbolizing the seat of pride and authority, emphasizing that no one can escape Allah's grasp.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah Al-'Alaq, which was the first surah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The context refers to Abū Jahl's attempt to prevent the Prophet from prayer in the Ka'bah, highlighting the early Meccan persecution faced by the Prophet and the futility of opposing Allah's will and His messenger.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said regarding Abū Jahl: 'The most hateful of men to Allah is Abū Jahl,' connecting to themes of divine rejection of arrogance. Additionally, hadiths in Sahih Bukhari describe the Prophet's steadfastness in worship despite opposition, exemplifying the message of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that opposition to Allah's truth and His messengers will inevitably lead to disgrace and punishment, while emphasizing that complete reliance on Allah's protection is the true source of strength in the face of persecution.