وَمَا هُوَ عَلَى ٱلْغَيْبِ بِضَنِينٍ 24
Translations
And he [i.e., Muḥammad (ﷺ)] is not a withholder of [knowledge of] the unseen.
Transliteration
Wa mā huwa ʿalá al-ghaybi bi-ḍanīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) does not withhold or begrudge knowledge of the unseen from his followers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the verse rebuts accusations that the Prophet concealed divine revelation or was stingy with knowledge. Rather, he conveys all that Allah commands him to share, demonstrating his trustworthiness as a messenger and his complete obedience to divine instruction.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Takwir is a Meccan surah addressing early disbelievers' doubts about Prophet Muhammad's message and sincerity. This ayah occurs within the context of defending the Prophet's character and honesty, following the discussion of the trustworthiness of Gabriel who brought the revelation (verses 19-21). It reassures believers that the Prophet faithfully transmits what Allah reveals.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), emphasizing the obligation to share divine knowledge. Additionally, 'Whoever withholds knowledge will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Judgment' (Sunan Ibn Majah 229), highlighting the severity of concealing divine guidance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that authentic spiritual knowledge and divine guidance are freely given by Allah through His messengers without restriction or reluctance. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of seeking and sharing religious knowledge generously, reflecting the Prophet's model of transparent communication of faith.