مَّن يُطِعِ ٱلرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ ٱللَّهَ ۖ وَمَن تَوَلَّىٰ فَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا 80
Translations
He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allāh; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian.
Transliteration
Man yuti'ir ar-rasūla faqad atā'a Allāh, wa man tawallā famā arsalnāka 'alayhim hafīẓā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the principle that obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is equivalent to obedience to Allah, as the Prophet conveys divine revelation without alteration. Conversely, those who turn away from the Prophet's guidance are not under his guardianship or compulsion, emphasizing that belief and obedience are matters of free choice. Ibn Kathir notes this demonstrates the Prophet's supreme authority in religious matters as Allah's chosen messenger, while Al-Tabari emphasizes that the Prophet's commands reflect divine will.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4), a Medinan surah revealed after the Prophet's migration to Madinah. It addresses the Muslim community's relationship with prophetic authority during the establishment of the Islamic state. The broader context concerns obedience to Allah and His Messenger as foundational to community cohesion and proper governance.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (1835): The Prophet said, 'Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah.' Also, Sunan Abu Dawud (4604): 'Hear and obey, even if a slave is appointed over you,' emphasizing the binding nature of following legitimate leadership.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that following the Prophet's teachings is inseparable from worshipping Allah, making it essential to study and implement Sunnah in daily life. It also clarifies that while the Prophet guides, ultimate acceptance rests with individuals, calling Muslims to conscious, willing obedience rather than blind compliance.
Related Ayahs
وَإِن يَتَفَرَّقَا يُغْنِ ٱللَّهُ كُلًّا مِّن سَعَتِهِۦ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعًا حَكِيمًا
But if they separate [by divorce], Allāh will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allāh Encompassing and Wise.
وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ صَدُقَـٰتِهِنَّ نِحْلَةً ۚ فَإِن طِبْنَ لَكُمْ عَن شَىْءٍ مِّنْهُ نَفْسًا فَكُلُوهُ هَنِيٓـًٔا مَّرِيٓـًٔا
And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.
فَكَيْفَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌۢ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ جَآءُوكَ يَحْلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ إِنْ أَرَدْنَآ إِلَّآ إِحْسَـٰنًا وَتَوْفِيقًا
So how [will it be] when disaster strikes them because of what their hands have put forth and then they come to you swearing by Allāh, "We intended nothing but good conduct and accommodation."
إِنَّمَا ٱلتَّوْبَةُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ لِلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِجَهَـٰلَةٍ ثُمَّ يَتُوبُونَ مِن قَرِيبٍ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَتُوبُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا
The repentance accepted by Allāh is only for those who do wrong in ignorance [or carelessness] and then repent soon [after]. It is those to whom Allāh will turn in forgiveness, and Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.