وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّهِينٍ 10
Translations
And do not obey every worthless habitual swearer
Transliteration
Wa lā tuṭi' kulla ḥallāfin mahīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not to obey every person who swears oaths frequently, particularly one who is despicable, worthless, or of low character (mahīn). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this refers to people who make false oaths habitually and lack moral integrity, warning against being influenced by their claims or promises. The verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing advisors and companions, prioritizing character and truthfulness over superficial eloquence or repeated assertions.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the middle section of Surah Al-Qalam, which addresses the Prophet's character and his dealings with those around him. The surah was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Prophet faced opposition from various groups, including those who made false claims and swore deceptive oaths to manipulate situations and gain influence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The worst person in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is given to much false swearing' (Sahih Bukhari 3599). Additionally, the Qur'an warns: 'And do not obey every habitually forswearing, despicable one' emphasizing the theme of avoiding those of questionable integrity.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should exercise careful judgment in selecting their advisors, friends, and sources of information, prioritizing the character and truthfulness of others over their persuasive words or frequent assertions. This teaches us that credibility comes from consistent virtue and honesty, not from the number of oaths one swears or the intensity of one's claims.