وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ رَأَيْتَ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنكَ صُدُودًا 61
Translations
And when it is said to them, "Come to what Allāh has revealed and to the Messenger," you see the hypocrites turning away from you in aversion.
Transliteration
Wa-idha qeela lahum ta'alaw ila ma anzala Allahu wa-ila ar-rasul ra-ayta al-munafiqeena yasuddun 'anka sududan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristic behavior of the hypocrites (munafiqun) when invited to submit to Allah's revelation and follow the Messenger—they turn away with obvious aversion and resistance. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this aversion is not due to genuine doubt but stems from their concealed disbelief and obstinate hearts that reject divine guidance despite outward claims of faith. The phrase 'yasuddun 'anka sududan' (they turn away from you with turning away) emphasizes the deliberateness and intensity of their rejection.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa's broader discussion of the hypocrites during the Medinan period, particularly addressing those who professed Islam outwardly while harboring doubt and malice toward the Prophet and the faith. The context reflects the community's challenge with infiltrators who would refuse to commit to Islamic law and the Prophet's leadership when called upon to do so.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The sign of a hypocrite is three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays.' (Sahih Bukhari 33). This directly relates to the hypocrites' turning away when commanded toward Allah's revelation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize that rejection of divine guidance often stems not from intellectual doubt but from spiritual disease—a hardened heart. Modern Muslims should reflect on their own sincerity when responding to Islamic teachings and ensure they do not embody even subtle traces of selective obedience to Allah and His Messenger.
Related Ayahs
وَيَحْلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ إِنَّهُمْ لَمِنكُمْ وَمَا هُم مِّنكُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ يَفْرَقُونَ
And they swear by Allāh that they are from among you while they are not from among you; but they are a people who are afraid.
إِنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَهُوَ خَـٰدِعُهُمْ وَإِذَا قَامُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ قَامُوا۟ كُسَالَىٰ يُرَآءُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ وَلَا يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allāh, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allāh except a little,
بَشِّرِ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment -
يَحْذَرُ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقُونَ أَن تُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُورَةٌ تُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۚ قُلِ ٱسْتَهْزِءُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُخْرِجٌ مَّا تَحْذَرُونَ
The hypocrites are apprehensive lest a sūrah be revealed about them, informing them of what is in their hearts. Say, "Mock [as you wish]; indeed, Allāh will expose that which you fear."