أَفَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى تَوَلَّىٰ 33
Translations
Have you seen the one who turned away
Transliteration
Afaraayta alladhee tawallaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the disbelievers who turned away from the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), asking rhetorically: 'Have you seen the one who turned away?' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse rebukes those who rejected the clear signs and guidance, emphasizing their willful turning away from truth. The ayah serves as a powerful indictment of those who choose ignorance and disbelief despite being presented with clear evidence.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Najm, a Meccan surah that addresses the themes of divine revelation, prophethood, and the Day of Judgment. It specifically refers to those from the Quraysh and other disbelievers who arrogantly rejected the Prophet's message and turned away from monotheism, setting the stage for the consequences detailed in the following verses.
Related Hadiths
The theme of turning away from guidance is reinforced in Sahih Muslim (2859), where the Prophet Muhammad said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.' This contrasts with those described in 53:33 who reject such guidance. Additionally, Surah An-Najm 53:34-37 contains warnings about the Day of Judgment related to this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that willful rejection of divine guidance is not a neutral act but a deliberate turning away that carries serious consequences. For modern readers, it serves as a warning against spiritual heedlessness and emphasizes the importance of seeking and accepting truth when it is presented clearly.