وَوَجَدَكَ ضَآلًّا فَهَدَىٰ 7
Translations
And He found you lost and guided [you],
Transliteration
Wa-wajadaka daallan fa-hadaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah finding the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a state of spiritual misguidance before revelation and guiding him to the straight path. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret 'daallan' (astray) not as moral corruption, but rather as lacking divine guidance and knowledge of prophethood before the Qur'an was revealed to him. The ayah emphasizes Allah's grace and mercy in selecting the Prophet and providing him with complete guidance through revelation.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Duhaa was revealed during a period when revelation had temporarily ceased, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was grieved by this interruption. This ayah is part of Allah's reassurance to him, reminding him of His previous favors and continuous care. The broader context of the surah (verses 1-11) consists entirely of Allah enumerating His blessings upon the Prophet to console him during this difficult period.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim 160: The Prophet described his pre-prophethood state, noting he did not know the Torah or Gospel until Allah taught him. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari 3 where the Prophet describes the beginning of revelation and his initial confusion, later clarified by Jibril.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as Allah guided the Prophet from ignorance to knowledge and light, He guides believers from confusion to clarity through His signs and wisdom. This ayah teaches that reliance on divine guidance, rather than human reasoning alone, is essential for finding the true path in life.