فَلَعَلَّكَ بَـٰخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِمْ إِن لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ أَسَفًا 6
Translations
Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over them, [O Muḥammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow.
Transliteration
Falaaalla ka bakhiun nafsaka alaa aathaarihim in lam yu'minoo bihaadhaa alhadeethi asafaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah consoles the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against excessive grief over the disbelief of his people, instructing him not to destroy himself with sorrow if they reject the Qur'an. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that while the Prophet's concern for his people's guidance was commendable, Allah reminds him that his duty is only to convey the message, not to force belief upon them. This ayah establishes a crucial principle: the Prophet's responsibility ends with clear communication, and the outcome of acceptance or rejection ultimately rests with Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Kahf's broader context of consoling the Prophet during the Meccan period when the Quraysh were rejecting his message. The surah contains multiple narratives (the Sleepers of the Cave, Dhul-Qarnayn, etc.) designed to strengthen the Prophet's resolve. This specific ayah addresses the psychological burden of rejection that the Prophet experienced.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim: The Prophet said, 'By the One in whose hand is my soul, the example of me and the people is like a man who kindled a fire, and the grasshoppers and butterflies started falling into it.' This hadith illustrates the Prophet's deep concern for his people's guidance. Additionally, Surah 26:3 contains a similar theme: 'Perhaps you will destroy yourself in grief that they will not believe.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must recognize that their responsibility is to communicate truth sincerely and with wisdom, while accepting that not everyone will respond positively—excessive grief over others' rejection is neither productive nor spiritually healthy. This teaches us to balance compassion for others with realistic expectations and reliance on Allah's ultimate plan.