يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِٱلْحَقِّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ ۚ وَإِن تَكْفُرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا 170
Translations
O mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allāh Knowing and Wise.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha an-nasu qad jaakum ar-rasulu bil-haqqi min rabbikum fa'aminu khayran lakum wa in takfuru fa inna lillahi ma fi as-samawati wa al-ardi wa kana Allahu aliman hakiman
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is a direct address to all humanity, announcing the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with clear truth from Allah, and calling them to believe for their own benefit. The ayah emphasizes that disbelief does not harm Allah in any way, as He possesses all that exists in the heavens and earth, and His knowledge and wisdom encompass all things. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir note that this verse establishes the universal nature of the Prophet's message and removes any excuse for rejection based on ignorance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Medinan portion of Surah An-Nisa and reflects the period when the Islamic message was firmly established in Medina. It addresses both believers and disbelievers, reminding them of the Prophet's role as a messenger with divine truth, and emphasizing that Allah's dominion and wisdom transcend human acceptance or rejection of His message.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said, 'The best speech is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad,' relates to the concept of the Messenger bringing truth (al-haqq). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari regarding the universality of the Prophet's message ('I have been sent to all of mankind') aligns with the universal address 'O mankind' in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that accepting Allah's message through His Messenger is ultimately for our own benefit and well-being, while rejection of truth cannot diminish Allah's power or knowledge. Modern readers should reflect on the personal responsibility each individual bears in responding to truth when it becomes clear to them, recognizing that sincere belief is an investment in their spiritual welfare.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا۟ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَآ أَوْ رُدُّوهَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَسِيبًا
And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed Allāh is ever, over all things, an Accountant.
مَّا يَفْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَءَامَنتُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا
What would Allāh do with [i.e., gain from] your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allāh Appreciative and Knowing.
وَإِنِ ٱمْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِنۢ بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوْ إِعْرَاضًا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا ۚ وَٱلصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ ۗ وَأُحْضِرَتِ ٱلْأَنفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ ۚ وَإِن تُحْسِنُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا
And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between them - and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allāh - then indeed Allāh is ever, of what you do, Aware.
وَمَن يَعْصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَيَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَهُۥ يُدْخِلْهُ نَارًا خَـٰلِدًا فِيهَا وَلَهُۥ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ
And whoever disobeys Allāh and His Messenger and transgresses His limits - He will put him into the Fire to abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment.