لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ ۖ وَقَدْ خَلَتْ سُنَّةُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ 13
Translations
They will not believe in it, while there has already occurred the precedent of the former peoples.
Transliteration
La yu'minūna bihī wa-qad khalat sunnatu al-awwalīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the disbelievers will not believe in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and this rejection follows an established pattern (sunnah) from previous nations who also rejected their messengers. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is reminding the believers that the disbelief they witness is not unprecedented—it is part of Allah's established way (sunnah) with nations, where those who reject divine guidance have always faced the same inevitable consequences. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this is a consolation to the Prophet and the believers, assuring them that their patience in the face of rejection is warranted by the precedent of previous communities.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Hijr, which addresses the rejection the Prophet faced from the Meccan disbelievers. The broader surah discusses how previous nations rejected their messengers and the inevitable consequences they faced. This particular ayah serves to remind the Prophet that the pattern of rejection he experiences is historically consistent with how earlier peoples responded to their prophets.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3274): The Prophet said, 'No prophet was sent but that he was mocked and ridiculed.' This hadith directly supports the concept that rejection of messengers is a recurring sunnah. Also relevant is Muslim (2252) regarding the trials faced by previous prophets and their perseverance.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing rejection or opposition to truth, believers should recognize that this is part of a timeless divine pattern—not a unique or defeating circumstance. Understanding that previous righteous communities endured similar trials strengthens resolve and faith in Allah's ultimate wisdom and justice.