فَقَالُوٓا۟ أَبَشَرًا مِّنَّا وَٰحِدًا نَّتَّبِعُهُۥٓ إِنَّآ إِذًا لَّفِى ضَلَـٰلٍ وَسُعُرٍ 24
Translations
And said, "Is it one human being among us that we should follow? Indeed, we would then be in error and madness.
Transliteration
Faqaloo a-basharun minna wahidan nattabi'uhu inna idhan lafee dalalin wa su'ur
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Makkah rejected the Prophet Muhammad's message by questioning how they could follow a single human being from among themselves, claiming that doing so would lead them into clear error and madness. This ayah reflects their arrogant dismissal of prophethood, despite the miraculous Qur'an and clear signs. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this objection stemmed from their pride and refusal to accept guidance from one of their own people, demonstrating their spiritual blindness and stubbornness despite the clarity of the message.
Revelation Context
This ayah is situated within Surah Al-Qamar's discussion of how various nations rejected their prophets throughout history. The immediate context addresses the Meccan polytheists' rejection of Prophet Muhammad, mirroring the pattern of disbelief seen in previous communities. This forms part of the surah's theme of inevitable divine punishment for those who deny their messengers.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3.34.428) where the Prophet described the rejection he faced: 'No prophet was sent but that he suffered from his people' reflects the persecution addressed in this ayah. Additionally, Surah An-Nahl 16:43 complements this context: 'We did not send before you except men to whom We revealed [revelation].'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that worldly status and societal position should never prevent acceptance of divine truth; guidance from Allah transcends human limitations and expectations. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of the courage required to follow the message when society mocks faith, and highlights how spiritual blindness—not intellectual inability—causes rejection of truth.