قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى سَفَاهَةٌ وَلَـٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 67
Translations
[Hūd] said, "O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.
Transliteration
Qala ya qawmi laysa bii safahatan wa laakinni rasoolun min rabbi al-'alameen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (Noah) responds to his people's accusations of foolishness by asserting his divine mission and authority as a messenger from the Lord of all worlds. This ayah emphasizes that Nuh's call to monotheism and righteousness is not born from ignorance or lack of intellect, but from his commission as a divinely-appointed messenger. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that Nuh dignifies his position by directly referencing his prophethood, distinguishing between human folly and divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Nuh's preaching to his people over 950 years (mentioned in 29:14). The context depicts Nuh's people mocking and rejecting his message, accusing him of foolishness for calling them away from their idols. This response represents Nuh's patient clarification of his true status and mission despite widespread ridicule and rejection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The most patient of people is Nuh, for he called his people to Allah for 950 years and did not become angry' (At-Tabarani). Additionally, Surah 71:5-6 records Nuh's own supplication: 'Indeed, I have called my people night and day, but my call did not increase them except in flight.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that holding fast to truth and divine guidance may invite ridicule and accusations from those who reject faith, but the messenger's authority rests not in popular acceptance but in divine commission. For modern readers, it encourages steadfastness in conveying Islamic truth despite social pressure, and humility in recognizing that wisdom comes from Allah, not from human opinion.