وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكُوا۟ ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَـٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ 107
Translations
But if Allāh had willed, they would not have associated. And We have not appointed you over them as a guardian, nor are you a manager over them.
Transliteration
Wa law shaa'a Allahu ma ashrakoo wa ma ja'alnaka 'alayhim hafeezan wa ma anta 'alayhim bi wakeel
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah clarifies that if Allah had willed, the people would not have associated partners with Him in worship, emphasizing divine will and human responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reminded that he is neither a guardian over them nor a trustee of their affairs—his role is to convey the message, not to compel belief. Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note this establishes the limits of the Messenger's responsibility and absolves him of accountability for those who reject the message after clear transmission.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-An'am, revealed in Mecca during a period of intense rejection and mockery of the Prophet by the Quraysh. The broader context (6:104-109) addresses the Meccan disbelievers' refusal to accept monotheism and reassures the Prophet that his duty is only to communicate clearly, not to force belief or manage outcomes.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3394) where the Prophet said, 'The best jihad is a word of truth spoken in front of a tyrant ruler,' illustrates the limited power of the Messenger to change hearts. Also relevant: Muslim (196) on how guidance is from Allah alone, not from the Messenger's efforts.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that while we have the duty to convey truth sincerely, we cannot force others to believe—outcomes rest with Allah alone. This teaches humility and relieves us of the burden of controlling others' hearts, allowing us to focus on fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity rather than anxiety about results.