يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا ٱهْتَدَيْتُمْ ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ 105
Translations
O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allāh is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu alaikum anfusakum la yadurrukum man dalla idha ihtadaitum ila Allahi marjiaokum jamian fayunabbikum bima kuntum tamalun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes personal accountability and individual responsibility in matters of faith; each believer is responsible for their own spiritual state and actions, and cannot be harmed by the misguidance of others if they remain steadfast on the right path. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir clarify that this does not absolve believers of the obligation to command good and forbid evil in society, but rather emphasizes that one's salvation ultimately depends on one's own adherence to guidance, not on others' choices. The ayah concludes with a reminder that all will return to Allah on the Day of Judgment, where He will inform each person of their deeds.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ma'idah is Medinan and addresses the Muslim community during the Prophet's time in Madinah. This ayah appears in a section addressing believers directly and likely was revealed to strengthen the resolve of the Muslim community during times when some believers were concerned about the spiritual state of others or societal discord. The broader context emphasizes personal accountability while maintaining communal bonds.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock' (Sahih Bukhari 2286). Also related is: 'Whoever sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able, then with his tongue; if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith' (Sahih Muslim 49).
Themes
Key Lesson
While each believer must secure their own spiritual foundation through obedience to Allah's guidance, this personal responsibility does not diminish our duty to advise and guide others with wisdom and compassion. The ultimate reassurance is that justice belongs to Allah alone, and He will judge each soul fairly based on their intentions and deeds.