إِنَّمَا كَانَ قَوْلَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذَا دُعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ أَن يَقُولُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۚ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ 51
Translations
The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful.
Transliteration
Innama kana qawlu al-mu'minina idha du'u ila Allah wa rasulih li-yahkum baynahum an yaqulu sami'na wa ata'na wa-ula'ika hum al-muflichun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that the defining characteristic of true believers is their immediate obedience and acceptance when called to Allah and His Messenger for judgment and resolution of disputes. When believers hear the call to submit to divine guidance and the Prophet's arbitration, they respond with 'We hear and we obey,' demonstrating unwavering faith and submission. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah contrasts the believers' willing compliance with the hypocrites' hesitation and resistance mentioned in the preceding verses, and that such obedience is the pathway to true success (falah) in both this life and the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period within Surah An-Nur, which addresses social conduct and legal matters in the Muslim community. The broader context of these verses (24:47-51) contrasts the response of sincere believers with that of hypocrites when matters are referred to Allah and the Prophet for judgment, highlighting the importance of accepting Islamic jurisprudence and the Prophet's leadership.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'None of you truly believes until his desires conform to what I have brought' (a principle related to obedience). Additionally, the hadith about the Ansar's pledge of allegiance includes the phrase 'We hear and obey' (sami'na wa ata'na), demonstrating the practical application of this Quranic teaching (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine faith requires immediate, wholehearted obedience to Allah's commands and the Prophet's guidance without hesitation or resistance. For modern Muslims, this emphasizes the importance of submitting to Islamic principles and legitimate Islamic authority with sincerity, trusting that such obedience leads to true success in all aspects of life.