فَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ 174
Translations
So, [O Muḥammad], leave them for a time.
Transliteration
Fatawalla anhum hatta heen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to turn away from the disbelievers until a specified time, meaning to cease trying to convince them and leave them to their choice. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this represents a divine directive for patience and forbearance, instructing the Prophet not to grieve over their rejection but to await Allah's judgment upon them. The phrase 'until a time' (hatta heen) refers to the Day of Judgment or a predetermined time when Allah's punishment will befall them.
Revelation Context
Surah As-Saffat is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet faced significant rejection and mockery from the Quraysh. This ayah appears in the broader context of narratives about previous prophets and their peoples, emphasizing the pattern of divine judgment upon those who reject the message. The command reflects the Prophet's situation of dealing with persistent disbelief despite his sincere efforts.
Related Hadiths
The Quran 6:34 conveys a similar theme: 'Already have We sent Messengers before you' emphasizing that rejection of prophets is a pattern. Additionally, Surah At-Taha 20:130 contains related instruction: 'Therefore be patient over what they say and exalt with praise of your Lord.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should learn from this ayah that persistence in calling others to truth is important, but so is knowing when to step back and entrust outcomes to Allah; excessive grief over others' rejection contradicts trust in Divine wisdom and justice.