وَمَآ أَنتَ بِهَـٰدِ ٱلْعُمْىِ عَن ضَلَـٰلَتِهِمْ ۖ إِن تُسْمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا فَهُم مُّسْلِمُونَ 53
Translations
And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [in submission to Allāh].
Transliteration
Wa mā anta bihādi al-ʿumyi ʿan ḍalālatihi. In tusmīʿu illā man yuʾminu bi-āyātinā fa-hum muslimūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah clarifies that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot guide those who are spiritually blind and willfully persist in their misguidance; his role is only to convey the message clearly. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the metaphor of spiritual blindness refers to those whose hearts are sealed against truth, and guidance is ultimately from Allah alone. The ayah concludes that only those who believe in Allah's signs and submit to Him (the muslimūn) will truly benefit from hearing the message.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ar-Rum, a Meccan chapter addressing the Prophet's struggles during the early Meccan period when he faced rejection and ridicule from the polytheists of Mecca. The broader context of these verses concerns the reality that belief cannot be forced, and the Prophet's responsibility is limited to clear conveyance of the message, not to compelling hearts toward faith.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with the hadith from Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it,' emphasizing that true benefit comes from those receptive to Allah's signs. Additionally, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:26 contains a similar theme: 'He lets astray thereby many, and guides thereby many; and He lets not astray thereby any except the transgressors.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should understand that while it is their duty to convey truth with wisdom and clarity, ultimate guidance rests with Allah, and not all will respond positively regardless of effort—this should inspire humility and reliance on Divine will rather than despair. Additionally, true listening and benefit from religious teachings requires an open heart and sincere belief in Allah's signs, making spiritual receptivity a prerequisite for guidance.