وَمَا عَلَيْنَآ إِلَّا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ 17
Translations
And we are not responsible except for clear notification."
Transliteration
Wa maa AAalayna illa al-balāghu al-mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the messengers' primary responsibility is to convey the message of Allah clearly and unambiguously, not to force belief or guarantee acceptance. Ibn Kathir explains that this statement relieves the Prophet of the burden of controlling people's hearts, emphasizing that his duty ends with clear communication, while guidance and misguidance ultimately rest with Allah. Al-Tabari notes this is a fundamental principle establishing the limits of prophetic responsibility in da'wah (Islamic preaching).
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ya-Sin's narrative about the messengers sent to the people of a town (verses 13-32), where the messengers are rebuking those who reject their message. It reflects the broader Meccan period's emphasis on the Prophet Muhammad's role as a messenger rather than a judge or enforcer of belief, addressing the opposition he faced in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have been commanded to fight people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger' (Sahih Bukhari). Contextually, this hadith clarifies the distinction between external actions and internal belief—the messenger's duty is to convey clearly, while accountability for acceptance differs.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that in conveying truth—whether as a messenger, teacher, or believer—our responsibility is limited to clear, sincere communication; the response and acceptance belong to others and ultimately to Allah. This principle liberates believers from anxiety about outcomes beyond their control and redirects focus toward fulfilling their duty with integrity.