وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَٱحْذَرُوا۟ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ 92
Translations
And obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and beware. And if you turn away - then know that upon Our Messenger is only [the responsibility for] clear notification.
Transliteration
Wa-ati'u Allaha wa-ati'u al-rasul wa-ihdharu. Fa-in tawallaytum fa-i'lamu anna-ma 'ala rasulina al-balagh al-mubin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands obedience to Allah and His Messenger while warning against heedlessness, and clarifies that the Prophet's (ﷺ) responsibility is limited to conveying the message clearly—he is not responsible for those who turn away. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse establishes the dual obligation of following both divine revelation and prophetic guidance, while absolving the Prophet of accountability for those who reject the message after it has been clearly transmitted.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ma'idah's discussion of lawful and unlawful matters, and follows verses addressing intoxicants and gambling. It reinforces the theme of clear divine guidance and human responsibility to accept or reject it. The broader context emphasizes that Allah has perfected His religion and the Prophet has fulfilled his duty of clear communication.
Related Hadiths
The hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim (1218) wherein the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart' relates to the concept of responsibility and clear guidance. Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari (4770) emphasizes that the Prophet's duty is conveyance: 'My Lord, have I conveyed the message?'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that we have a sacred duty to obey Allah and follow the guidance of His Prophet, while understanding that our spiritual journey ultimately depends on our own choices and hearts. The clear transmission of truth places upon us the responsibility to seek, listen, and respond sincerely, knowing that guidance is offered but acceptance remains our individual choice.