وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَـٰهُ بِهَا وَلَـٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ ۚ فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث ۚ ذَّٰلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا ۚ فَٱقْصُصِ ٱلْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ 176
Translations
And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
Transliteration
Wa-law shi'nā lara fa'nāhu bihā wa-lākinnahū akhlada ilā al-ardi wa-ittaba'a hawāhu fa-māthaluhu ka-māthal al-kalbi in tahmil 'alayhi yalhath aw tatrukhu yalhath dhālik māthal al-qawm alladhīn kadhdhabū bi-āyātinā fa-aqsus al-qasas la'allahum yatafakkarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a person who received clear signs from Allah (ءايات) but rejected them, choosing instead to follow his desires and remain attached to worldly concerns. Allah compares his pathetic state to that of a dog that pants relentlessly whether chased or left alone—illustrating the futility and emptiness of those who deny the divine message despite having clear understanding. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this passage exemplifies how rejection of truth stems from a hardened heart and deliberate choice, not mere ignorance, and serves as a stark warning against following desires over guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the story of a man who received knowledge of Allah's signs but abandoned them, appearing within the broader Meccan context of Surah Al-A'raf which addresses the rejection of prophetic guidance by the polytheists of Mecca. Some scholars suggest this refers to a specific individual from the People of the Book who witnessed miracles yet chose disbelief, though the ayah's universal application makes it relevant to all who reject truth.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The example of a person who recites the Quran and acts on it, like a citron which smells good and tastes good. And the example of a person who does not recite the Quran but acts on it, like a date which has no smell but has a good taste. And the example of a person who recites the Quran but does not act on it, like a flower which smells good but has no taste.' (Sahih Bukhari) - contrasting those who benefit from knowledge with those who do not.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah powerfully illustrates that knowledge and understanding alone are insufficient without sincere commitment and action; true faith requires aligning one's desires with divine guidance. For modern readers, it serves as a humbling reminder that stubborn adherence to personal desires while rejecting truth leads to spiritual emptiness and a life of meaningless striving, emphasizing the importance of introspection and willingness to transform when confronted with clear evidence.