وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱرْكَعُوا۟ لَا يَرْكَعُونَ 48
Translations
And when it is said to them, "Bow [in prayer]," they do not bow.
Transliteration
Wa-idha qeela lahumu arkau la yarkaun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the arrogance and disobedience of the disbelievers who refuse to perform rukū' (bowing) when commanded to do so. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as symbolic of their rejection of Islamic obedience and submission to Allah's commands. The ayah emphasizes their stubborn pride and resistance to the message of tawhīd (monotheism) brought by the Prophet ﷺ.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Mursalat, a Meccan chapter that vividly describes the Day of Judgment and the characteristics of the disbelievers. The surah repeatedly contrasts the obedience of the righteous with the defiance of those who reject faith, and this particular verse illustrates the spiritual blindness and arrogance of the Meccan polytheists who refused to accept monotheism.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Prayer) emphasizes that rukū' is a fundamental pillar of prayer and a sign of submission. Additionally, hadiths regarding the arrogance of the disbelievers in refusing to prostrate are found in various collections, illustrating the connection between physical obedience and spiritual submission.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith requires not only intellectual belief but also physical and behavioral submission to Allah's commands, particularly in prayer and worship. The refusal to obey reflects a deeper rejection of Allah's authority, reminding us that pride and arrogance are barriers to spiritual growth and righteousness.