قَالَ وَمَا عِلْمِى بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 112
Translations
He said, "And what is my knowledge of what they used to do?
Transliteration
Qala wa ma 'ilmi bima kanoo ya'maloon
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) responds to his people's rejection by saying, 'And what knowledge have I of what they used to do?' This statement reflects Nuh's humility and his acknowledgment that he cannot control or know the hidden actions and intentions of his people—he has only conveyed the message as commanded. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah demonstrates that the Prophet's responsibility is limited to clear communication of the divine message, while the consequences of acceptance or rejection rest with Allah and the people themselves.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Nuh's dialogue with his disbelieving people in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which recounts the stories of various messengers. The context shows Nuh defending his position after his people accused him of being deluded or mistaken, emphasizing his limited knowledge and his complete reliance on divine guidance rather than personal judgment.
Related Hadiths
The principle relates to Hadith Qudsi where Allah says the Prophet's duty is only to convey the message clearly (Sahih Bukhari 4697). Also relevant: 'The best of you are those who have the best character' (Tirmidhi 1162), as it emphasizes that judgment of people's deeds belongs to Allah alone.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that our responsibility is to fulfill our duty with sincerity and clarity, while entrusting results to Allah and avoiding judgment of others' hidden intentions and actions. It encourages humility in our role as guides or teachers, recognizing that ultimate knowledge and judgment belong to Allah alone.