وَمَن كَفَرَ فَلَا يَحْزُنكَ كُفْرُهُۥٓ ۚ إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُهُمْ فَنُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ 23
Translations
And whoever has disbelieved - let not his disbelief grieve you. To Us is their return, and We will inform them of what they did. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of that within the breasts.
Transliteration
Wa man kafara fala yahzunka kufruhu, ilayna marji'uhum fanunabbi'uhum bima 'amilu, inna Allaha 'alimun bidhati assudur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) not to grieve over the disbelief of those who reject the message, as their ultimate return is to Allah alone. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Allah will fully inform them of their deeds on the Day of Judgment, and the concluding phrase—'Indeed, Allah knows what is in the breasts'—affirms that Allah's knowledge encompasses all hidden intentions and secrets, whether manifested or concealed.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Luqman, which contains moral and spiritual counsel. It addresses the Prophet's emotional burden regarding those who reject faith, reassuring him that their accountability rests with Allah alone. This reflects the broader Meccan period theme of consoling the Prophet amid widespread rejection of his message.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim 2347: The Prophet said, 'The most perfect believers in faith are those who are best in manners and most gentle.' This relates to the ayah's theme of not grieving over others' choices, maintaining composure and moral excellence. Also relevant is Surah 88:21-22 (Sahih Bukhari 4770) where Allah reassures the Prophet he is only a reminder, not a guardian over people's faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not be overwhelmed by others' rejection of faith, understanding that ultimate justice and accountability belong to Allah alone; our responsibility is to convey the message with wisdom and compassion, trusting Allah's perfect knowledge and justice.
Related Ayahs
وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا لُقْمَـٰنَ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ
And We had certainly given Luqmān wisdom [and said], "Be grateful to Allāh." And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allāh is Free of need and Praiseworthy.
وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُم مَّنْ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ لَيَقُولُنَّ ٱللَّهُ ۚ قُلِ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
And if you asked them, "Who created the heavens and earth?" they would surely say, "Allāh." Say, "[All] praise is [due] to Allāh"; but most of them do not know.
وَٱقْصِدْ فِى مَشْيِكَ وَٱغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ ۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلْأَصْوَٰتِ لَصَوْتُ ٱلْحَمِيرِ
And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys."
ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ
Who establish prayer and give zakāh, and they, of the Hereafter, are certain [in faith].