وَقَالُوا۟ مَالِ هَـٰذَا ٱلرَّسُولِ يَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَيَمْشِى فِى ٱلْأَسْوَاقِ ۙ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ فَيَكُونَ مَعَهُۥ نَذِيرًا 7
Translations
And they say, "What is this messenger that eats food and walks in the markets? Why was there not sent down to him an angel so he would be with him a warner?
Transliteration
Wa qālū mā li hādhā ar-rasūli ya'kulu at-ta'āma wa yamshī fi al-aswāq. Lawlā unzila ilayhi malakun fa yakūna ma'ahu nadhīrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Mecca objected to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by questioning why he was an ordinary human who ate food and walked in the markets, rather than an angel. They demanded that if he were truly a messenger, an angel should have accompanied him as a witness to his prophethood. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this reflects the arrogance and misguided expectations of the Quraysh, who rejected the wisdom of Allah's choice to send a human messenger who could relate to and guide humanity through lived experience.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan, revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet. It directly addresses the objections and ridicule the disbelievers leveled against the Prophet's humanity and ordinary lifestyle, highlighting their stubborn rejection despite clear signs.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said: 'I am only a human like you' (Innama anā basharun mithlukum) addresses this same concern, emphasizing that his humanity was not a deficiency but rather a mercy and means of connection with his people.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that Allah's choices are based on infinite wisdom, and the Prophet's humanity was a strength, not a weakness, allowing him to be a living example for his followers. It reminds believers to reflect on how arrogance and preconceived notions can prevent people from recognizing truth when it is presented to them.