إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُجَـٰدِلُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَـٰنٍ أَتَىٰهُمْ ۙ إِن فِى صُدُورِهِمْ إِلَّا كِبْرٌ مَّا هُم بِبَـٰلِغِيهِ ۚ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ 56
Translations
Indeed, those who dispute concerning the signs of Allāh without [any] evidence having come to them - there is not within their breasts except pride, [the extent of] which they cannot reach. So seek refuge in Allāh. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Seeing.
Transliteration
Inna alladhina yujadilun fi ayati allahi bighayri sultanin atahum, in fi sudurihim illa kibrun ma hum bibalighih, fastaAAidh billahi, innahu huwa alssamiAAu albasir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns those who dispute the signs of Allah without any evidence or proof (sultan), revealing that their hearts are filled only with arrogance and pride which they cannot even achieve or express properly. Ibn Kathir explains that such disputation stems purely from haughtiness and rejection of truth, not from intellectual refutation. The command to seek refuge with Allah and the reference to His attributes of hearing and seeing emphasize that Allah is fully aware of their arguments and inner state, and will judge them accordingly.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ghafir, a Meccan chapter addressing the Quraysh's obstinate rejection and argumentative stance toward the Prophet Muhammad and the Quranic message. The context reflects the polytheists' futile disputations against monotheism and Islamic teachings without rational basis, driven solely by tribal arrogance and ancestral tradition.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most hated person to Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Quran warns: 'Those who dispute concerning Allah after He has been answered - their argument is null with their Lord' (Quran 42:16).
Themes
Key Lesson
Disputation against truth rooted in pride rather than genuine inquiry is spiritually destructive and reflects a hardened heart. Believers should respond to such arguments with patience, seeking Allah's protection, knowing that He hears and sees all, and that ultimate judgment belongs to Him alone.