يَـٰقَوْمِ لَآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا ۖ إِنْ أَجْرِىَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِىٓ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ 51
Translations
O my people, I do not ask you for it [i.e., my advice] any reward. My reward is only from the one who created me. Then will you not reason?
Transliteration
Ya qawmi la as'alukum alayhi ajran, in ajri illa ala allathi fatarani, afa la ta'qilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Hud declares to his people that he seeks no monetary reward for delivering Allah's message to them, emphasizing that his only compensation comes from Allah who created him. This statement underscores the sincerity of the prophet's mission and challenges his people to use their reason to recognize the truth of his message. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this declaration serves as proof of the prophet's honesty and disinterestedness, distinguishing true prophets from false claimants who seek worldly gains.
Revelation Context
This verse is part of Hud's address to his people (the 'Ad nation) in Surah Hud, a Meccan chapter. It reflects the broader Quranic theme of prophets' selflessness and their commitment to calling people to monotheism without expecting material compensation. The context shows Hud responding to his people's rejection and mockery by clarifying his pure intentions.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need' (Tirmidhi). More directly relevant is the principle established in numerous hadiths that prophets do not accept gifts or compensation, reflecting their absolute devotion to Allah's cause alone.
Themes
Key Lesson
True servants of Allah prioritize their duty to Him over worldly compensation, finding their reward in Allah's pleasure alone. This ayah teaches believers that sincere devotion to God's cause should never be motivated by material gain, and invites listeners to use their intellect to distinguish between genuine guidance and self-serving deception.
Related Ayahs
كَأَن لَّمْ يَغْنَوْا۟ فِيهَآ ۗ أَلَا بُعْدًا لِّمَدْيَنَ كَمَا بَعِدَتْ ثَمُودُ
As if they had never prospered therein. Then, away with Madyan as Thamūd was taken away.
فَٱسْتَقِمْ كَمَآ أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allāh], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.
وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَى ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ فَٱخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ ۚ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَفِى شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مُرِيبٍ
And We had certainly given Moses the Scripture, but it came under disagreement. And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord, it would have been judged between them. And indeed they are, concerning it [i.e., the Qur’ān], in disquieting doubt.
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنِّى لَكُمْ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, [saying], "Indeed, I am to you a clear warner