قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ 60
Translations
Said the eminent among his people, "Indeed, we see you in clear error."
Transliteration
Qala al-mala'u min qawmihi inna lanarayka fi dalalim mubeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
The elite and leaders of Noah's people declared to him that they perceived him to be in clear error and misguidance. This statement reflects the arrogance and rejection of the disbelievers who refused to acknowledge Noah's message of monotheism, despite his clear proofs and patient preaching over 950 years. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the Meccan polytheists used similar language to dismiss the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), paralleling the rejection faced by previous messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Noah (Nuh) and his people in Surah Al-A'raf. The context is the dialogue between Noah and his people after he preached to them for centuries. This surah was revealed in Mecca and uses the story of Noah to provide solace to Prophet Muhammad regarding the rejection he faced from the Quraysh, showing that rejection of messengers was a recurring pattern throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most patient of people are the prophets, and the best of them is Noah, for his people remained with him for 950 years.' (Reported in various hadith collections with similar meanings). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding how the disbelievers rejected the messengers, reflecting the theme of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that rejection and mockery from society for upholding truth is not a sign of error, but rather a test of faith—just as Noah's righteousness was not invalidated by his people's accusations. Modern believers should remain steadfast in their convictions and truthful speech, understanding that popularity is not a measure of correctness.