حِكْمَةٌۢ بَـٰلِغَةٌ ۖ فَمَا تُغْنِ ٱلنُّذُرُ 5
Translations
Extensive wisdom - but warning does not avail [them].
Transliteration
Hikmatan balighah, fama tughnee an-nuzur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Quran as 'conclusive wisdom' (hikmah balighah) that is complete and perfect in its guidance. The phrase 'fama tughnee an-nuzur' (so warnings do not avail) indicates that despite the clarity and eloquence of the Quranic message, those who reject it will not benefit from the warnings, as their hearts are sealed by their own rejection. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that the Quran's perfection does not guarantee acceptance by those determined in disbelief.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Qamar is a Meccan chapter that repeatedly emphasizes the disbelief of the Quraysh despite clear signs and warnings. This ayah appears within a passage addressing the stubbornness of those who reject the message, reflecting the early Meccan period when the Prophet (peace be upon him) faced persistent denial despite presenting the perfectly eloquent Quranic message.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with Sahih Bukhari (6237) where the Prophet said, 'The most perfect believer in faith is the one whose character is finest, and the best of you are those who are best to their families' - emphasizing that true guidance requires receptive hearts. Also relevant is the concept in Surah Al-Qamar 54:17, 22, 32, 40 which repeats 'And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that possessing access to perfect divine guidance does not automatically lead to salvation; rather, the condition of one's heart and willingness to reflect determine whether warnings benefit us. In our modern context, we must examine our own receptiveness to divine signs rather than merely possessing knowledge, as complacency and spiritual heedlessness can prevent us from benefiting from the clearest of messages.