كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَٱسْجُدْ وَٱقْتَرِب ۩ 19
Translations
No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Kalla la tutih'hu wasjud waqtarib
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to reject the commands of Abu Jahl and other disbelievers who sought to prevent him from prayer and worship, and instead to continue in prostration (sujud) and draw near to Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes steadfastness in obedience to Allah despite opposition, with 'sujud' (prostration) symbolizing complete submission and humility before the Divine. The command to 'iqtarib' (draw near) signifies seeking closeness to Allah through sincere devotion, which supersedes all worldly pressures and threats.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the concluding verses of Surah Al-'Alaq, revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam when the Prophet faced severe persecution from the Quraysh, particularly from Abu Jahl who mocked his prayers and attempted to humiliate him. The context reflects the broader struggle between faith and disbelief, with this verse providing divine encouragement to maintain worship despite opposition.
Related Hadiths
Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): 'The first thing with which the Prophet was commanded was the night prayer (qiyam al-layl)' (Sahih Bukhari 1920). Additionally, the hadith concerning Abu Jahl's mockery of the Prophet's sujud and the revelation of these verses illustrates the practical context of this command.
Themes
Key Lesson
True strength lies not in submitting to the demands of others, but in complete submission to Allah through sincere worship and drawing ever closer to Him spiritually. Believers should prioritize their relationship with Allah above all social pressures and opposition, understanding that proximity to the Divine brings ultimate fulfillment and protection.