۞ فَمَا لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِئَتَيْنِ وَٱللَّهُ أَرْكَسَهُم بِمَا كَسَبُوٓا۟ ۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَهْدُوا۟ مَنْ أَضَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ سَبِيلًا 88
Translations
What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allāh has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allāh has sent astray? And he whom Allāh sends astray - never will you find for him a way [of guidance].
Transliteration
Fama lakum fil-munafiqeen fi'atayn wallahu arkasahum bima kasabu. A-turidoon an tahdoo man adallallah. Wa man yudlilillahu falan tajida lahu sabeel.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes the believers for being divided in their stance toward the hypocrites (munafiqun), some wanting to accept them while others rejected them. Allah reminds the community that He has already sealed the hypocrites in their state of misguidance due to their own actions and deception, making it impossible for human effort alone to guide them. The verse emphasizes that guidance is ultimately in Allah's hands, and whoever Allah leads astray cannot be guided by any human means.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period, specifically addressing the Muslim community's internal divisions regarding how to deal with the hypocrites of Medina. The broader context of Surah An-Nisa concerns social regulations and the treatment of different groups within the Muslim community. The hypocrites mentioned here are those who outwardly professed Islam while harboring disbelief in their hearts.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to Sahih Bukhari's hadiths about hypocrisy and how the hypocrites are most dangerous to the community. Additionally, hadiths in Muslim regarding the signs of the hypocrite (particularly those who lie, betray trusts, and break covenants) provide contextual understanding of whom this ayah addresses.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not waste effort trying to convince those who have hardened their hearts against truth, as ultimate guidance comes from Allah alone. The lesson teaches discernment between sincere seekers and those of corrupt intention, while reminding us to focus our da'wah efforts where receptiveness exists.