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
فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا ٱطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبًا مَّوْقُوتًا
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allāh standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ مَأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ عَنْهَا مَحِيصًا
The refuge of those will be Hell, and they will not find from it an escape.
دَرَجَـٰتٍ مِّنْهُ وَمَغْفِرَةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
Degrees [of high position] from Him and forgiveness and mercy. And Allāh is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
وَٱبْتَلُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًا
And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allāh as Accountant.