وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كَذَّبَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَبِٱلزُّبُرِ وَبِٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْمُنِيرِ 25
Translations
And if they deny you - then already have those before them denied. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs and written ordinances and with the enlightening Scripture.
Transliteration
Wa in yukadhdhiubuka faqad kadhdhaba alladhina min qablihim ja'at-hum rusuluhum bil-bayyinat wa bil-zubur wa bil-kitab al-munir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah consoles the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reminding him that rejection of his message is not unprecedented—previous nations also rejected their messengers despite receiving clear signs (al-bayyinat), scriptures (al-zubur), and the illuminating Book (al-kitab al-munir). Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse provides solace by contextualizing the disbelief of Quraysh within the broader pattern of human rejection of divine guidance throughout history, thus validating the Prophet's experience and encouraging perseverance.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's mission. Surah Fatir addresses themes of creation, divine providence, and the testing of messengers, providing the Prophet and believers with reassurance that rejection is a trial that tests faith rather than a sign of failure in conveying the message.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said, 'No prophet was sent by Allah to a nation but that they denied and hurt him.' This directly supports the ayah's theme of universal rejection of messengers. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records the Prophet's patience through mockery and rejection, illustrating the practical application of this Quranic consolation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers facing rejection or opposition should understand that this is part of the eternal test of faith, not evidence that truth is ineffective. The ayah teaches that perseverance in conveying and upholding truth matters regardless of immediate acceptance, as accountability belongs to Allah alone.