إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ 7
Translations
Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
Transliteration
Inna rabbaka huwa a'lamu biman dalla 'an sabilihi wa huwa a'lamu bil-muhtadeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah's knowledge is absolute and comprehensive—He alone knows perfectly those who have strayed from His path and those who have been guided to it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this serves as a consolation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding those who rejected his message, assuring him that Allah's judgment is just and that human guidance ultimately rests with Allah's will, not the Prophet's efforts alone.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Qalam, a Meccan chapter that addresses the Prophet's mission and those who opposed him. It follows verses defending the Prophet against accusations and doubts raised by disbelievers, offering reassurance that Allah alone determines who receives guidance and who turns away.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said: 'Every soul will know what it has sent forward and kept back,' emphasizing Allah's perfect knowledge of deeds. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records the Prophet stating that Allah knows best who deserves guidance among His servants.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to trust in Allah's perfect knowledge and justice, freeing them from anxiety about others' beliefs or outcomes beyond their control, while emphasizing their own responsibility to follow guidance and convey the message sincerely. It reminds us that true success lies not in converting others, but in remaining steadfast on the path while entrusting results to Allah.