وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلرَّحْمَـٰنِ قَالُوا۟ وَمَا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ أَنَسْجُدُ لِمَا تَأْمُرُنَا وَزَادَهُمْ نُفُورًا ۩ 60
Translations
And when it is said to them, "Prostrate to the Most Merciful," they say, "And what is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to that which you order us?" And it increases them in aversion.
Transliteration
Wa-idha qeela lahumu asjudoo lir-rahmani qaloo wa-ma ar-rahmanu a-nasjudu lima ta'muruna wa-zadahum nufooora
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the arrogant response of the Meccan polytheists when commanded to prostrate to Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), one of Allah's names. Their defiant question 'What is Ar-Rahman?' and their refusal to obey based on it being a command from the Prophet increased their aversion and rebellion against the message. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this reflected the disbelievers' stubborn rejection of both the divine message and even Allah's own names, demonstrating their spiritual blindness and pride.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan's Meccan context, addressing the early polytheists' rejection of Islamic monotheism. The broader surah discusses the disbelievers' excuses and denials of the Quran and Prophethood. This specific verse likely references the Quraysh's mockery of the concept of Ar-Rahman, as this divine name was unfamiliar to Arab pagan tradition, making it a point of ridicule.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4477) records that when the polytheists heard Surah An-Najm recited, even the mushrikin initially prostrated, showing their internal recognition before pride overcome them. This contrasts with the hardened rejection described in 25:60.
Themes
Key Lesson
Pride and prejudice can prevent even clear truth from being accepted; the disbelievers' stubborn refusal based on unfamiliarity with the name Ar-Rahman serves as a warning that rejection often stems from ego rather than genuine doubt, and that resistance to Allah's signs only increases one's distance from guidance.