وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا فِى هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ لِيَذَّكَّرُوا۟ وَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا نُفُورًا 41
Translations
And We have certainly diversified [the contents] in this Qur’ān that they [i.e., mankind] may be reminded, but it does not increase them [i.e., the disbelievers] except in aversion.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad sarrafnā fī hādhā al-Qur'āni li-yadhdhakkarū wa-mā yazīduhum illā nufūrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah states that He has presented the Qur'an in various ways and styles so that people may be reminded and take heed, yet paradoxically, this repetition and clarification only increases the aversion and turning away of those whose hearts are sealed. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that despite the Qur'an's eloquence, diversity of examples, and clear proofs, those who reject faith become more stubborn and resistant, fulfilling the divine wisdom that faith cannot be forced upon unwilling hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Isra, a Meccan surah addressing the early Muslims facing rejection from the Meccan polytheists. The context reflects the frustration of the early Islamic community as the Qur'an's clear message was met with increasing hostility and mockery rather than acceptance, illustrating the predetermined nature of guidance and misguidance.
Related Hadiths
The principle is supported by Surah Al-A'raf 7:146 and Surah Al-Baqarah 2:26 regarding how the Qur'an increases believers in guidance and wrongdoers in transgression. Additionally, Sahih Muslim includes hadiths about how hearts become hardened when they persistently reject the message.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that clarity of message is not always sufficient for acceptance—the human heart's receptiveness depends on sincere intention and divine guidance. For believers, it emphasizes patience in da'wah (Islamic preaching) and reliance on Allah, understanding that rejection of truth is ultimately a matter of personal spiritual condition, not the fault of the message itself.