وَمَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ 11
Translations
And no messenger would come to them except that they ridiculed him.
Transliteration
Wa mā yātīhim min rasūlin illā kānū bihī yastahzi'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that whenever a messenger came to the people, they responded with mockery and ridicule rather than acceptance of his message. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as a recurring pattern throughout human history—the rejection of divine guidance through derision and scorn. The ayah emphasizes that this hostile reception of messengers was not unique to one people, but a consistent test faced by all the prophets sent by Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hijr was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the Quraysh. This ayah appears within a passage (15:10-15) that consoles the Prophet by referencing the historical precedent of previous messengers facing similar rejection and mockery, thereby reassuring him that his experience was not unprecedented.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3475): The Prophet ﷺ said, 'The hardest people were tried with the most severe trials, and the most easy-going people were given the least trials.' This reflects the pattern of prophets facing ridicule as a test. Also relevant: Surah 36:30 and related discussions in Tafsir Ibn Kathir about the consistent rejection messengers faced.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that rejection and ridicule from society are not signs of falsehood, but rather a test that preceded all messengers. Muslims should remain steadfast in their faith despite social pressure and mockery, drawing strength from the historical example of prophets who endured similar opposition before their message ultimately prevailed.