وَكَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَ لِكَثِيرٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قَتْلَ أَوْلَـٰدِهِمْ شُرَكَآؤُهُمْ لِيُرْدُوهُمْ وَلِيَلْبِسُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ دِينَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا فَعَلُوهُ ۖ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ 137
Translations
And likewise, to many of the polytheists their partners have made [to seem] pleasing the killing of their children in order to bring about their destruction and to cover them with confusion in their religion. And if Allāh had willed, they would not have done so. So leave them and that which they invent.
Transliteration
Wa-kadhalika zayyana li-kathirin mina al-mushrikina qatla awladihim shurakauhum li-yurduhum wa-li-yalbisu alaihim dinahum wa-law shaa'a Allahu ma faalu hu fa-dharhum wa-ma yaftaruna
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Satan and false gods embellish the practice of infanticide (especially of daughters) in the eyes of polytheists, leading them to destroy their children and obscure their understanding of true religion. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that the 'partners' (shurakauhum) refer to Satan and demonic influences who whisper such evil suggestions, making sinful acts appear appealing. The verse concludes that this occurs by Allah's permission—He allows people to be tested by their own desires—and instructs the Prophet to abandon them and their false fabrications.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-An'am, revealed in Mecca during a period when the Quran was addressing the practices of pre-Islamic Arabia. The practice of infanticide, particularly of daughters due to cultural shame and economic concerns, was widespread among Arabian tribes. This verse contextualizes such practices within the broader theme of how Satan beautifies sin for those who reject Allah's guidance.
Related Hadiths
The practice addressed is referenced in authentic hadith literature regarding the pre-Islamic period (Jahiliyyah). Imam Ahmad and others recorded traditions about how this practice was abandoned with Islam's prohibition. The broader theme connects to the hadith in Sahih Muslim about Satan's whispers and how he leads people astray.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that evil is often made to appear attractive through spiritual deception, yet believers must recognize that Allah's permission for such trials does not necessitate our participation—we possess the choice to reject what our intellect and conscience recognize as wrong. The verse reminds us to remain vigilant against subtle societal pressures that normalize harmful practices under cultural or economic pretexts.