أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُ ٱللَّهُ مَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ قَوْلًۢا بَلِيغًا 63
Translations
Those are the ones of whom Allāh knows what is in their hearts, so turn away from them but admonish them and speak to them a far-reaching [i.e., effective] word.
Transliteration
Ulā'ika alladhīna ya'lamu Allāhu mā fī qulūbihim fa-a'rid 'anhum wa-'iz-hum wa-qul lahum fī anfusihim qawlan balīghā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the hypocrites (munāfiqūn) whose inner beliefs contradict their outward claims. Allah commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to turn away from their external behavior, admonish them gently, and speak to them privately with eloquent, impactful words that penetrate the heart. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this approach combines both turning away from their hypocrisy and offering them sincere private counsel to guide them toward repentance.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa's discussion of hypocrites in Medina who outwardly professed Islam while harboring doubt and disbelief in their hearts. The broader context addresses the Prophet's (ﷺ) strategy in dealing with these individuals—not through harsh public condemnation, but through measured wisdom and private exhortation.
Related Hadiths
The principle echoes the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment,' emphasizing the wisdom of private admonition over public exposure.
Themes
Key Lesson
When addressing those who struggle with faith or harbor hidden doubts, believers should approach with wisdom and compassion—offering private, heartfelt counsel rather than public criticism. This reflects the balance between acknowledging wrongs and extending opportunities for sincere repentance and growth.
Related Ayahs
وَلَأُضِلَّنَّهُمْ وَلَأُمَنِّيَنَّهُمْ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ ءَاذَانَ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلْقَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ وَلِيًّا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ خَسِرَ خُسْرَانًا مُّبِينًا
And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allāh." And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allāh has certainly sustained a clear loss.
إِلَّا ٱلْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلْوِلْدَٰنِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ حِيلَةً وَلَا يَهْتَدُونَ سَبِيلًا
Except for the oppressed among men, women, and children who cannot devise a plan nor are they directed to a way -
ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ ۚ فَٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ قَـٰنِتَـٰتٌ حَـٰفِظَـٰتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَٱلَّـٰتِى تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِى ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضْرِبُوهُنَّ ۖ فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوا۟ عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلًا ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيرًا
Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allāh has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allāh would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them [lightly]. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allāh is ever Exalted and Grand.
إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَيَأْتِ بِـَٔاخَرِينَ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ قَدِيرًا
If He wills, He can do away with you, O people, and bring others [in your place]. And ever is Allāh competent to do that.