فَإِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ ٱلصُّمَّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا۟ مُدْبِرِينَ 52
Translations
So indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating.
Transliteration
Fa-innaka lā tusmi'u al-mawta wa lā tusmi'u al-summa al-du'ā' idhā wallau mudbirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah conveys that the Prophet (peace be upon him) cannot make the dead hear, nor can he make the deaf hear the call when they turn away in rejection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as addressing the futility of preaching to those who willfully reject guidance—comparing spiritual death and heedlessness to physical deafness. The ayah emphasizes that the Prophet's role is to convey the message, not to force faith, as guidance is ultimately a divine gift that requires receptivity from the listener.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the broader context of Surah Ar-Rum, which addresses the disbelievers of Mecca who rejected the Prophet's message despite clear signs. It serves as a consolation to the Prophet that his responsibility is limited to clear communication, not compelling belief. The surah's themes revolve around signs of Allah's power and the consequences of rejecting messengers.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself frequently reiterates this concept: 'Indeed, you do not make the dead hear, nor do you make the deaf hear the call when they have turned back' (27:80). Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said, 'The example of the one who recites the Quran and does not benefit from it is like that of a tree that bears no fruit.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while we must sincerely convey truth to others, we cannot force acceptance—ultimate guidance is from Allah alone. This liberates us from the burden of converting hearts and encourages patience and wisdom in our da'wah (call to faith).