Tafsir & Commentary
The Poets (الشعراء) · Meccan
فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ126
26:126
Translation — Sahih International
So fear Allāh and obey me.
Transliteration
Fattaqullaha wa-atee'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, spoken by the Prophet Shu'ayb to his people, commands them to fear Allah (taqwa) and obey him as Allah's messenger. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that obedience to the messenger is inseparable from obedience to Allah, as the messenger conveys Allah's guidance and commands. This verse encapsulates the fundamental Islamic principle that piety toward Allah must be paired with heeding the guidance brought by His prophets.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah appears within the narrative of Prophet Shu'ayb's call to the people of Madyan (Midian). Shu'ayb repeatedly urged his people to abandon their dishonest business practices, particularly short-changing in measurements and weights, and to embrace monotheism. This verse reflects the universal message all prophets brought: fear Allah and follow His messenger's guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah' (Sahih Bukhari 7137). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027) emphasizes the importance of following prophetic guidance.
Key Lessons
True piety requires both internal consciousness of Allah and external obedience to His guidance through the prophets. For believers today, this teaches that sincere faith must manifest in following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and heeding the wisdom of those who convey Allah's message.