وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّهُۥ يَزَّكَّىٰٓ 3
Translations
But what would make you perceive, [O Muḥammad], that perhaps he might be purified
Transliteration
Wa maa yudreeka laAAallahu yazzakkaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes the Prophet (peace be upon him) for turning away from the blind man 'Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, reminding him that he cannot know with certainty whether this person might purify himself spiritually through faith and obedience. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the ayah emphasizes that outward appearance or status should not determine one's priority in da'wah, and that sincere seekers of knowledge—regardless of their condition—deserve attention and respect.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the opening verses of Surah 'Abasa, revealed in Mecca, which address a specific incident where the Prophet frowned at 'Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum when the blind companion approached him while he was speaking with Quraysh nobles. The surah corrects this moment and teaches principles about treating all people with dignity in Islamic teaching.
Related Hadiths
Anas ibn Malik reported that 'Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was the one to whom this surah was revealed (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also, the Prophet later appointed him as governor of Medina multiple times, showing his honor and the Prophet's high regard for him.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims to look beyond external circumstances when assessing a person's potential for spiritual growth, and reminds us that sincere seekers of guidance deserve our time and respect regardless of their social status or physical condition.