يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُم بُرْهَـٰنٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا 174
Translations
O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha an-nasu qad jaaakum burhanun min rabbikum wa anzalna ilaikum nuran mubeena
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses all of humanity, declaring that clear proof (the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad) has come to them from their Lord, and that He has sent down a manifest light (guidance) to illuminate their path. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret 'burhan' (proof) as referring to the Qur'an itself and the Prophet's message, while 'nur mubin' (manifest light) refers to the clear guidance and wisdom that dispels the darkness of ignorance and misguidance. This ayah emphasizes the completeness and clarity of divine guidance available to all humanity.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nisa, a Medinan chapter dealing with social legislation and community matters. The verse serves as a universal proclamation to all people, likely emphasizing the universality of the Islamic message and Allah's clear communication to humanity through His final messenger, removing any excuse for those who reject the truth.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Qur'an itself is described in Hadith as 'the light and guidance' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), reinforcing this ayah's message about clear divine guidance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah has provided undeniable, clear evidence and guidance to all humanity through the Qur'an and the Prophet's teachings, leaving no excuse for those who turn away. For modern Muslims, it reinforces that the Islamic message is rational, transparent, and accessible, encouraging both personal conviction and confident transmission of this light to others.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِمَآ أَرَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَلَا تَكُن لِّلْخَآئِنِينَ خَصِيمًا
Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allāh has shown you. And do not be for the deceitful an advocate.
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱعْتَصَمُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَسَيُدْخِلُهُمْ فِى رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَيْهِ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا
So those who believe in Allāh and hold fast to Him - He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path.
وَٱلَّذَانِ يَأْتِيَـٰنِهَا مِنكُمْ فَـَٔاذُوهُمَا ۖ فَإِن تَابَا وَأَصْلَحَا فَأَعْرِضُوا۟ عَنْهُمَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا
And the two who commit it [i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse] among you - punish [i.e., dishonor] them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allāh is ever Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.
يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِى ٱلْكَلَـٰلَةِ ۚ إِنِ ٱمْرُؤٌا۟ هَلَكَ لَيْسَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٌ وَلَهُۥٓ أُخْتٌ فَلَهَا نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ ۚ وَهُوَ يَرِثُهَآ إِن لَّمْ يَكُن لَّهَا وَلَدٌ ۚ فَإِن كَانَتَا ٱثْنَتَيْنِ فَلَهُمَا ٱلثُّلُثَانِ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ۚ وَإِن كَانُوٓا۟ إِخْوَةً رِّجَالًا وَنِسَآءً فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ ۗ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ أَن تَضِلُّوا۟ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۢ
They request from you a [legal] ruling. Say, "Allāh gives you a ruling concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants [as heirs]." If a man dies, leaving no child but [only] a sister, she will have half of what he left. And he inherits from her if she [dies and] has no child. But if there are two sisters [or more], they will have two thirds of what he left. If there are both brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allāh makes clear to you [His law], lest you go astray. And Allāh is Knowing of all things.