وَأَمَّا ٱلسَّآئِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ 10
Translations
And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].
Transliteration
Wa-amma as-sa'ila fa-la tanhur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not to rebuke or harshly turn away the person who asks. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain this refers to anyone making a request—whether for knowledge, material aid, or guidance—emphasizing that the response should be gentle and respectful. The prohibition against 'nahr' (rebuking/driving away) establishes a fundamental principle of kind treatment toward those in need, reflecting the Prophet's merciful character.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ad-Duhaa, revealed during a period when the Prophet faced opposition in Mecca. The surah generally addresses the Prophet's concerns about the cessation of revelation and reassures him of Allah's continued care. This specific ayah provides ethical guidance on how the Prophet should conduct himself toward others, reinforcing his role as a mercy to humanity (rahmah lil-'alamin).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari states: 'The most perfect of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims to respond with patience and gentleness to those who seek help or knowledge, reflecting a core Islamic value of mercy and compassion. In modern contexts, it challenges believers to examine how they treat those who make requests—whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually—encouraging us to mirror the Prophet's exemplary treatment of others.