وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُن فِى ضَيْقٍ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ 70
Translations
And grieve not over them or be in distress from what they conspire.
Transliteration
Wa lā tahzan 'alayhim wa lā takun fī dayqin mimmā yamkurūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah consoles Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not to grieve over those who reject his message and not to feel distressed by their plots and schemes against him. Ibn Kathir explains that this ayah addresses the Prophet's natural compassion for his people and assures him that their rejection and machinations are not his responsibility; rather, his duty is only to convey the message clearly. Al-Tabari emphasizes that the Prophet should rely on Allah's protection and wisdom, for all their plotting ultimately returns to their own detriment while Allah safeguards His messenger and message.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Naml, a Meccan surah revealed during the period of intense opposition to the Prophet in Mecca. The context of the surah includes stories of previous prophets facing rejection and disbelief, providing solace to Muhammad through historical precedent. This specific verse comes as divine reassurance during a time when the Quraysh's mockery, plots, and resistance to the Islamic message were causing the Prophet emotional distress.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The greatest jihad is the struggle against one's own soul' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet is reported to have said that patience in the face of harm is one of the most honorable deeds, directly relating to the emotional resilience this ayah encourages.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers facing opposition or rejection for their faith should not allow grief or anxiety about others' disbelief to overwhelm them, but instead place their trust in Allah who is fully aware of all plots and schemes. This ayah teaches that success in faith is not measured by worldly acceptance but by steadfastness and reliance on Allah's guidance and protection.