وَإِن يَكَادُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا۟ ٱلذِّكْرَ وَيَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُۥ لَمَجْنُونٌ 51
Translations
And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes [i.e., looks] when they hear the message, and they say, "Indeed, he is mad."
Transliteration
Wa-in yakādu alladhīna kafarū layuzliqūnaka bi-absārihim lammā samiu adh-dhikra wa-yaqūlūna innahu lamajnūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the disbelievers were so intensely hostile toward the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Qur'an that they nearly knocked him down with their piercing stares when hearing the revelation, while simultaneously mocking him by calling him mad. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as depicting the extreme animosity and derision the Meccan disbelievers directed at the Prophet, emphasizing their rejection of both his message and his person despite the clarity of the Qur'an.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qalam, a Meccan chapter that addresses the accusations made against the Prophet by his opponents in Mecca. The context reflects the early Meccan period when disbelievers intensified their mockery and hostility toward the Prophet and his message, attempting to discredit him through ridicule and character assassination.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari narrates that the Quraysh used to mock and harm the Prophet, attempting to prevent him from reciting the Qur'an publicly. Additionally, various hadiths document the Prophet's forbearance in the face of their insults, as mentioned in collections regarding his character during the Meccan period.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that opposition to truth and its bearers often stems from spiritual blindness rather than rational objection, and that remaining steadfast in conveying the message despite mockery and hostility is a mark of the prophetic mission. It reminds us that the severity of opposition should not deter us from our faith, as the Prophet exemplified patience and perseverance.