أَتَىٰٓ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ 1
Translations
The command of Allāh is coming, so be not impatient for it. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.
Transliteration
Ata amru Allahi fala tasta'jilu hu, subhanahu wa ta'ala 'amma yushrikun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah announces the inevitability of Allah's command (the Day of Judgment) and forbids the disbelievers from hastening its occurrence out of mockery or impatience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that the Meccan disbelievers would mockingly ask the Prophet when the promised punishment would come, so Allah commands patience and reminds them that His command will certainly arrive at the appointed time. The ayah concludes by glorifying Allah and distancing Him from the polytheistic associations of the disbelievers.
Revelation Context
This opening ayah of Surah An-Nahl addresses the Meccan context where polytheists challenged the Prophet's message and mocked the concept of divine retribution. The surah's broader context emphasizes Allah's mercies and signs in creation while warning against those who reject them and ascribe partners to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to Hadith Qudsi: 'My mercy precedes My wrath' (Sahih Muslim), emphasizing Allah's patient forbearance. Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best of you are those who are patient' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), reflecting the theme of forbearance in Allah's divine plan.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should trust in Allah's timing and divine plan rather than becoming anxious about worldly concerns or the fulfillment of promises, recognizing that hastening or delaying events belongs solely to Allah. This teaches believers to maintain patience and faith regardless of external circumstances or the derision of disbelievers.