كَذَٰلِكَ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ فِىٓ أُمَّةٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهَآ أُمَمٌ لِّتَتْلُوَا۟ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ وَهُمْ يَكْفُرُونَ بِٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ۚ قُلْ هُوَ رَبِّى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ مَتَابِ 30
Translations
Thus have We sent you to a community before which [other] communities have passed on so you might recite to them that which We revealed to you, while they disbelieve in the Most Merciful. Say, "He is my Lord; there is no deity except Him. Upon Him I rely, and to Him is my return."
Transliteration
Kathalika arsalnaka fee ummatin qad khalat min qabliha umamun litatluwaa alayihimu alladhee awhayna ilayka wa hum yakfuruna biarrahman qul huwa rabbi la ilaha illa huwa alayhi tawakkaltu wa ilayhi matab
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad, informing him that just as He sent previous messengers to nations before him who rejected them, so too has He sent Muhammad to his people to recite the revelation despite their disbelief in the Merciful (ar-Rahman). The ayah concludes with the Prophet's affirmation of his complete reliance upon Allah alone and his return to Him, demonstrating the proper response to rejection: unwavering faith and trust in Allah. Ibn Kathir notes this ayah provides consolation to the Prophet by reminding him that rejection of messengers is a recurring pattern throughout human history, and emphasizes that the Prophet's duty is only to convey the message, not to force belief.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a Medinan surah revealed in the context of the Prophet's struggles against the polytheists and hypocrites of Medina and Mecca. The broader context of Surah Ar-Ra'd addresses the rejection of the Quran and the Prophet's message by the disbelievers, providing reassurance that such rejection is not unprecedented. The ayah follows discussions about the signs of Allah in creation and precedes further arguments against polytheism.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'I was sent to all of humanity' (Sahih Bukhari 3441), emphasizing the universal nature of his prophethood despite initial rejection. Additionally, the hadith 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027) relates to the theme of reciting and conveying revelation to others.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing rejection or opposition in conveying truth and righteousness, believers should remember that rejection of divine guidance is a recurring historical pattern and should place complete trust in Allah (tawakkul) rather than in the approval of others. The ayah teaches that our responsibility is to communicate the message faithfully; the outcome rests with Allah alone.