وَقَالُوٓا۟ إِن نَّتَّبِعِ ٱلْهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفْ مِنْ أَرْضِنَآ ۚ أَوَلَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمْ حَرَمًا ءَامِنًا يُجْبَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ ثَمَرَٰتُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ رِّزْقًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ 57
Translations
And they [i.e., the Quraysh] say, "If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be swept from our land." Have We not established for them a safe sanctuary to which are brought the fruits of all things as provision from Us? But most of them do not know.
Transliteration
Wa qaaluu in nattabi'i al-hudaa ma'aka nutakhattaf min ardina. Awa lam numakkin lahum haraman aminan yujbaa ilayhi themaratu kulli shay'in rizqan min ladunna wa laakin akthara hum laa ya'lamun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Makkah claimed that following the Prophet's guidance alongside him would result in their expulsion from their land, yet Allah reminds them that He had already granted them a secure sanctuary (Makkah) where the fruits of all things are brought to them as provision from His bounty. Ibn Kathir notes this ayah refutes their false excuse by pointing out that their prosperity and safety in Makkah itself proves Allah's favor and provision, yet most of them fail to recognize this blessing and its source. The verse emphasizes their ingratitude and lack of understanding despite the clear signs of Allah's care evident in their protected city and abundant sustenance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the broader narrative of Surah Al-Qasas, which details the stories of various prophets and their peoples' responses to divine guidance. It specifically addresses the Quraysh's resistance to Prophet Muhammad's call in Makkah, where they rationalized their rejection through fear of losing their position and livelihood, despite living in a sanctuary blessed with security and commerce.
Related Hadiths
The theme of Allah's protection of Makkah is referenced in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1597) where the Prophet mentioned the sanctity of Makkah. Additionally, Tirmidhi records traditions about the blessings of Makkah and its trade routes as signs of divine favor.
Themes
Key Lesson
The lesson for contemporary believers is that fear of losing worldly possessions or status should never be a justification for abandoning truth and guidance; moreover, one should recognize that all blessings and security ultimately come from Allah alone, and true prosperity lies in obedience to Him rather than in material accumulation or social position.