۞ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَٱتَّبَعَكَ ٱلْأَرْذَلُونَ 111
Translations
They said, "Should we believe you while you are followed by the lowest [class of people]?"
Transliteration
Qālū a-nu'minu laka wattaba'aka al-ardhālūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Mecca mockingly rejected Prophet Nuh's (peace be upon him) message, asking incredulously how they could believe in him when only the lowest and most despised people of society had followed him. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the Meccan polytheists used this same argument against Prophet Muhammad, claiming that his followers were primarily slaves, the poor, and the socially marginalized, which they viewed as evidence against the truth of his message. This ayah highlights how the arrogant elite have historically rejected divine truth due to their pride and prejudice against the humble believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which recounts the stories of various prophets and their peoples' rejections. The context here is the narrative of Prophet Nuh's preaching to his people for 950 years, and their consistent mockery and refusal, particularly their disdain for his believing followers. This thematic parallel serves to console Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by showing that such rejection and mockery were not unique to his mission.
Related Hadiths
Hadith reported by Imam Ahmad and others: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Truly, Allah does not look at your bodies or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.' This addresses the fallacy of judging belief by social status. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records instances where the Prophet honored poor believers like Bilal and 'Ammar ibn Yasir despite their lowly social positions.
Themes
Key Lesson
True belief and righteousness are not determined by social status or worldly rank, but by sincerity of heart and obedience to Allah. Believers should never be discouraged if their message is rejected by the elite or powerful, as this has been the consistent pattern throughout prophetic history, and Allah values the faith of the humble servant over the pride of the privileged.