وَلَا يَنفَعُكُمْ نُصْحِىٓ إِنْ أَرَدتُّ أَنْ أَنصَحَ لَكُمْ إِن كَانَ ٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يُغْوِيَكُمْ ۚ هُوَ رَبُّكُمْ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ 34
Translations
And my advice will not benefit you - although I wished to advise you - if Allāh should intend to put you in error. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."
Transliteration
Wa lā yanfa'ukum nushḥī in aradtu an ansḥa lakum in kāna Allāhu yurīdu an yugwīkum, huwa rabbukum wa ilayhi turja'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, spoken by Prophet Nūḥ to his people, conveys that sincere advice and counsel cannot benefit them if Allāh has willed to leave them astray (in their rejection). Al-Qurṭubī and Ibn Kathīr explain that while Nūḥ fulfilled his duty as a messenger with clear warning, human guidance ultimately rests with Allāh's will—He is their Lord and to Him they will be returned for judgment. The ayah emphasizes both the limits of human persuasion and the absolute sovereignty of Allāh over guidance and misguidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Nūḥ's final appeal to his people after 950 years of preaching. It reflects the broader context of Sūrah Hūd, which presents various prophets warning their peoples and the rejection they faced, illustrating that while messengers convey the message clearly, belief ultimately depends on Allāh's will and the people's choice.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the ḥadīth in Sunan Ibn Mājah where the Prophet ﷺ said: 'The most beloved words to Allāh are four: Subḥān'Allāh, Al-ḥamdu lillāh, Lā ilāha illā Allāh, and Allāhu Akbar.' This reflects the theme of submission to Allāh's sovereignty. Additionally, Sunan at-Tirmidhī contains traditions about the Prophet's role being merely to convey the message, while guidance belongs to Allāh alone.
Themes
Key Lesson
While we have the responsibility to sincerely advise others and share truth, we must recognize that ultimate guidance and acceptance belong to Allāh alone—our role is to convey with wisdom and compassion, then trust in Allāh's decree. This teaches humility in da'wah (calling to Allāh) and acceptance that not all will respond, freeing us from despair when our efforts seem fruitless.