فَذَرْنِى وَمَن يُكَذِّبُ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ ۖ سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ 44
Translations
So leave Me, [O Muḥammad], with [the matter of] whoever denies this statement [i.e., the Qur’ān]. We will progressively lead them [to punishment] from where they do not know.
Transliteration
Fadharnee wa man yukadhdhihu bi haadhaa al-hadith; sanastadrijuhum min haythu laa ya'lamoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet to leave alone those who reject the Qur'an and its message, for He will gradually lead them to destruction in ways they do not perceive. Ibn Kathir explains that 'istidraj' (gradual seduction) refers to Allah's subtle method of drawing the disbelievers deeper into sin and misguidance by increasing their wealth, children, and worldly comforts, which hardens their hearts and increases their arrogance—a punishment more severe than immediate retribution. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this demonstrates divine wisdom: giving the disbelievers respite and luxury to test their true nature, ultimately sealing their fate through their own choices.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the end of Surah Al-Qalam, which was revealed in Mecca during the period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. The surah addresses the Quraysh's rejection of the Qur'an and mockery of the Prophet. This particular verse reassures the Prophet not to grieve over the stubborn disbelievers, as Allah has a plan for them; it fits the broader Meccan theme of patience in the face of rejection.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (2865): 'Whoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.' This contrasts with those whom Allah leads astray. Also relevant is Sahih Bukhari (7497) where the Prophet said, 'The most difficult people to deal with are those who have abundance yet still disbelieve,' reflecting the istidraj of worldly increase.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that rejecting divine guidance comes with hidden spiritual consequences—our disobedience gradually hardens our hearts in ways we may not immediately recognize. Believers are reminded to trust in Allah's justice rather than despair over the heedlessness of others, knowing that those who persistently reject truth will ultimately face the consequences of their choices.