وَإِذَا دُعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِذَا فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ 48
Translations
And when they are called to [the words of] Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them, at once a party of them turns aside [in refusal].
Transliteration
Wa-idha du'oo ila Allahi wa rasoolihi liyahkum baynahum idha fareequm minhum mu'ridoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the hypocrisy of those who, when called to submit their disputes to Allah and His Messenger for judgment, turn away in aversion. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this refers to those who claim faith yet reject the Prophet's authority to judge between them, preferring worldly judgments or their own desires. The ayah highlights the contradiction between claiming belief in Allah and His Messenger while simultaneously rejecting their judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (Chapter 24), a Medinan surah revealed during the establishment of the Islamic community in Medina. It addresses the judicial and social issues that arose as the Muslim community developed. The broader context (24:47-50) deals with the obligation to accept the Prophet's judgments and the nature of those who hypocritically reject his authority while claiming belief.
Related Hadiths
The principle is supported by hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'None of you truly believes until his desires conform to what I have brought.' Additionally, related to accepting the Prophet's judgment are traditions emphasizing that believers must accept Islamic rulings without hesitation or dispute.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith requires not only verbal affirmation of Allah and His Messenger but genuine submission to their judgment and guidance, even when it contradicts personal desires or established customs. Modern believers should examine whether they truly accept Islamic rulings in all matters or selectively choose which guidance to follow.