وَمَآ أَنَا۠ بِطَارِدِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 114
Translations
And I am not one to drive away the believers.
Transliteration
Wa mā anā bi-ṭāridi al-mu'minīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh declares that he will not drive away the believers from his message, emphasizing his commitment to welcoming all who accept faith regardless of their social status or background. This statement refutes the accusations of the disbelieving Quraysh who claimed that Nuh rejected the poor and lower classes. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah demonstrates the Prophet's mercy and inclusive approach to da'wah, contrasting with the arrogant rejection of faith by the wealthy elite.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Nuh's response to his people's mockery and rejection of his message over 950 years of preaching. The broader context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara presents various prophets defending their missions against accusations and denials, with this particular ayah addressing the false claim that Nuh only accepted wealthy believers and rejected poor ones.
Related Hadiths
The principle of non-discrimination in Islam is reinforced in the hadith: 'There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a white over a black, nor for a black over a white, except in piety' (Musnad Ahmad). Additionally, the Hadith of the Mi'raj mentions believers from all social classes being accepted, reflecting this inclusive message.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should reject any hierarchies based on wealth, status, or social class in matters of faith, and follow the example of the prophets in welcoming all sincere seekers of truth with compassion and without discrimination. This ayah reminds us that spiritual worth is determined by piety and sincere belief, not by worldly position.