مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ 4
Translations
Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Criterion [i.e., the Qur’ān]. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allāh will have a severe punishment, and Allāh is Exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution.
Transliteration
Min qablu hudan lilnnasi wa anzala alfarqan. Inna alladhina kafaroo bi-ayati allahi lahum adhab shadid. Wallahu azizun dhu intiqam.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Torah and Injil (Gospel) that were revealed before the Qur'an as guidance for humanity, and emphasizes that Allah sent down the Furqan (the Qur'an, which distinguishes truth from falsehood). Those who reject the signs of Allah face severe punishment, for Allah is All-Mighty and possesses full power of retribution. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this verse affirms the validity of previous scriptures while establishing the Qur'an as the final, comprehensive guidance, and warns of the consequences of denying divine revelation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ali 'Imran, a Medinan surah revealed during the period of interfaith dialogue and conflict with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). The verse follows discussions about monotheism and the revelation of divine books, addressing both believers and disbelievers in Medina regarding their responsibility toward God's signs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), emphasizing the importance of engaging with revelation. Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet warned that those who turn away from the Qur'an will face severe consequences on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting clear divine guidance carries serious spiritual consequences, while simultaneously affirming that Allah's revelation has always been a mercy to humanity. For contemporary readers, it underscores the importance of accepting divine guidance with humility and responding to truth when it becomes clear.