مَا يُجَـٰدِلُ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَلَا يَغْرُرْكَ تَقَلُّبُهُمْ فِى ٱلْبِلَـٰدِ 4
Translations
No one disputes concerning the signs of Allāh except those who disbelieve, so be not deceived by their [uninhibited] movement throughout the land.
Transliteration
Mā yujādilu fī āyāti-llāhi illā alladhīna kafarū fa-lā yaghrurkak taqallubuhum fi-l-bilād
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that none dispute the signs of Allah except those who disbelieve, and warns the Prophet (peace be upon him) not to be deceived by the prosperity and freedom of movement these disbelievers enjoy in the lands. Ibn Kathir explains that their worldly success and apparent comfort should not mislead the believers into thinking their position is superior, as their ultimate end is destruction. Al-Tabari emphasizes that the argumentation (jidāl) against Allah's signs is a characteristic of the disbelievers' nature, while their apparent worldly advancement is merely a temporary trial.
Revelation Context
Surah Ghafir was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. This ayah addresses the believers' concern about the apparent success and influence of the Meccan disbelievers despite their rejection of faith. The broader context deals with the disbelievers' arguments against the Quran and monotheism, and their arrogant rejection of the message.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Do not be impressed by the wealth and children of a man, for these are only a trial in this world' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Quran mentions: 'Do not let their wealth and children impress you; Allah only intends to punish them with these things in this worldly life' (9:85).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not be deceived by the apparent success, wealth, or influence of those who reject Allah's signs, as material prosperity in this world is temporary and does not indicate truth or divine favor. True success lies in faith and obedience to Allah, regardless of external circumstances or worldly hardships.
Related Ayahs
فَبِمَا نَقْضِهِم مِّيثَـٰقَهُمْ وَكُفْرِهِم بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتْلِهِمُ ٱلْأَنۢبِيَآءَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ وَقَوْلِهِمْ قُلُوبُنَا غُلْفٌۢ ۚ بَلْ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهَا بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
And [We cursed them] for their breaking of the covenant and their disbelief in the signs of Allāh and their killing of the prophets without right and their saying, "Our hearts are wrapped" [i.e., sealed against reception]. Rather, Allāh has sealed them because of their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ ۚ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
Those who denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter - their deeds have become worthless. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ
And when those who wronged see the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.