وَيَتَجَنَّبُهَا ٱلْأَشْقَى 11
Translations
But the wretched one will avoid it
Transliteration
Wa-yatajannabuhā al-ashqā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the most wretched one (al-ashqā) will avoid the reminder and the path to spiritual purification. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this refers to those whose hearts are sealed and who deliberately turn away from the divine message due to their spiritual wretchedness and distance from Allah. The ayah emphasizes that willful rejection of guidance is a characteristic of those most unfortunate in their spiritual condition.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-A'la is entirely Meccan and focuses on the glorification of Allah's majesty and the consequences of accepting or rejecting the divine message. This ayah falls within the surah's discussion of the purification of the soul (tazkiyah) in ayah 14, emphasizing that while guidance is presented to all, only those who sincerely seek purification will benefit, while the spiritually wretched deliberately distance themselves.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), highlighting the importance of accepting and engaging with divine guidance that the ashqā rejects. Additionally, 'Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe' (Quran 2:6), which parallels the theme of deliberate rejection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that receiving guidance is a mercy, but benefiting from it requires sincere intention and openness of heart; conversely, it warns against the spiritual danger of deliberately turning away from truth, which leads to wretchedness in this life and the next. We should examine our own hearts to ensure we are not among those who hear the message but close themselves to its transformative power.