يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تُقَدِّمُوا۟ بَيْنَ يَدَىِ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ 1
Translations
O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allāh and His Messenger but fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu la tuqaddimù bayna yadai Allahi wa rasulih wa ittaqu Allaha inna Allaha samīʿun ʿalīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers not to precede Allah and His Messenger in speech, judgment, or actions, emphasizing the importance of following divine guidance and prophetic instruction. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain this as a prohibition against speaking about Islamic matters without knowledge, making independent rulings contrary to Shariah, or acting before receiving guidance from Allah's revelation. The ayah establishes the foundational principle of Islamic obedience and submission to divinely-ordained authority.
Revelation Context
This opening ayah of Surah Al-Hujurat sets the thematic tone for the entire chapter, which addresses proper etiquette and conduct among believers in their interactions with the Prophet (ﷺ) and with one another. While no single specific incident of revelation is unanimously agreed upon, scholars note this surah emerged during the Medinan period when the Muslim community needed guidance on respectful behavior and proper protocols in the Prophet's presence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever speaks about the Qur'an without knowledge, let him take his seat in the Fire' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Do not precede me with your views; rather wait for my guidance' reflects the spirit of this prohibition in various hadith collections.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must humble themselves before divine wisdom and prophetic guidance rather than rushing to implement their own understanding or preferences. This teaches us that true piety involves patience, consultation with qualified scholars, and recognition that Allah and His Messenger possess knowledge we may lack.