إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِى مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ 56
Translations
Indeed, [O Muḥammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allāh guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
Transliteration
Innaka laa tahdee man ahbabta walaakinnal-laahu yahdee man yashaa wa huwa a'lamu bil-muhtadeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah clarifies that guidance (hidayah) is ultimately Allah's prerogative alone, not the responsibility of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), despite his sincere love and desire for the guidance of his people. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that while the Prophet's duty is to convey the message clearly, Allah alone opens the hearts and grants true guidance to those whom He wills. The ayah emphasizes Divine omniscience—Allah knows best who is truly guided and deserving of guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Meccan period and is understood to address the Prophet's deep concern over the disbelief of his beloved uncle Abu Lahab and other relatives. It serves as a consolation, reminding the Prophet that his role is to deliver the message faithfully, while the outcome of acceptance or rejection rests with Allah. The broader context of Surah Al-Qasas deals with stories of divine guidance and trials.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4725): The Prophet said, 'The most difficult of my people to deal with are three: the one with whom I have to share a bed, the one with whom I have to share a house, and the hypocrite.' This relates to the Prophet's struggle with those closest to him. Also relevant is the hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah about guidance being a light that Allah places in hearts.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that while we may invite others to faith with sincerity and wisdom, true guidance comes from Allah alone, freeing us from the burden of forcing belief onto others and allowing us to rely on Divine wisdom. This teaches compassion and patience—we should do our part in spreading the message while entrusting outcomes to Allah.