إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً ۖ وَمَا كَانَ أَكْثَرُهُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ 121
Translations
Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers.
Transliteration
Inna fee dhalika la-ayatan wa ma kana akthharuhum mu'mineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the narrative of Prophet Nuh (Noah) and the flood, affirming that in the destruction of the disbelievers and salvation of the believers lies a clear sign (ayah) for humanity. Despite this manifest evidence, most people did not believe—a theme emphasized throughout Surah Ash-Shu'ara. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this ayah reflects the stubbornness of human nature and the reality that signs alone do not guarantee faith without divine guidance (hidayah), as faith requires both intellect and sincere hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears at the conclusion of the account of Nuh in Surah Ash-Shu'ara (Meccan period), where Nuh preached for 950 years to his people with signs and miracles, yet only a few believers followed him. The surah uses this and other prophetic narratives to console the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding Meccan rejection of his message, establishing the pattern that rejection of prophets is a recurring human tendency.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself in 7:64 contains a parallel statement: 'Thus We drowned those who denied Our signs.' Additionally, Hadith Qudsi conveys that Allah does not change a people's condition unless they change themselves (13:11), relating to the collective disbelief mentioned here.
Themes
Key Lesson
External signs and miracles, while important, do not compel belief—the human heart must be open and sincere. Believers should not despair when facing rejection, as disbelief among most people has been the pattern throughout history, and patience in calling to Allah with wisdom is the responsibility of those who have been guided.