قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّى وَءَاتَىٰنِى رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِهِۦ فَعُمِّيَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنُلْزِمُكُمُوهَا وَأَنتُمْ لَهَا كَـٰرِهُونَ 28
Translations
He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?
Transliteration
Qāla yā qawmi araaytum in kuntu alā bayyinatin min rabbī wa-ātānī raḥmatan min ʿindih, faʿummiyat ʿalaykum, anulzimukumūhā wa-antum lahā kāriḥūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (Noah) addresses his people, asking them to consider his clear evidence from Allah and the mercy (guidance) Allah has bestowed upon him, yet they have turned away from it in blindness. He questions whether he should force them to accept guidance when they are averse to it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Nuh is appealing to reason—that he possesses clear proofs and divine guidance, but their hearts have been sealed from understanding, and faith cannot be compelled upon those who reject it willingly.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Nuh's sermon to his people during his 950-year mission to call them to Tawhid (monotheism). The surah Hud illustrates the patience of the prophets in facing rejection. This specific ayah reflects the frustration and compassion of Nuh as he realizes his people's stubborn refusal despite the clarity of his message.
Related Hadiths
The Quranic principle reflected here aligns with Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256 ('There is no compulsion in religion') and the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated that guidance cannot be forced upon people, and that he is only a messenger to convey the message clearly.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that presenting clear truth with wisdom is the responsibility of those who call others to Allah, but ultimately people have free choice in accepting or rejecting guidance—we cannot force faith into unwilling hearts, only invite them with clarity and compassion.