لَّا تَجْعَلُوا۟ دُعَآءَ ٱلرَّسُولِ بَيْنَكُمْ كَدُعَآءِ بَعْضِكُم بَعْضًا ۚ قَدْ يَعْلَمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَسَلَّلُونَ مِنكُمْ لِوَاذًا ۚ فَلْيَحْذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِۦٓ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ 63
Translations
Do not make [your] calling of the Messenger among yourselves as the call of one of you to another. Already Allāh knows those of you who slip away, concealed by others. So let those beware who dissent from his [i.e., the Prophet's] order, lest fitnah strike them or a painful punishment.
Transliteration
La taj'alu du'aa ar-rasuli baynakum kadua'i ba'dikum ba'da. Qad ya'lamu Allahu alladhina yatasallaluna minkum liwadha. Falyahdari alladhina yukhalifu na 'an amrihi an tusibahum fitnatan au yusiibahum 'adhab alim.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the elevated status of calling upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and addressing him with respect, distinguishing it from ordinary address among people. The verse warns against those who secretly slip away from gatherings without permission, emphasizing that Allah is aware of all hidden actions. Ibn Kathir notes this addresses proper etiquette and obedience to the Prophet, cautioning that disobedience to his commands may result in trials (fitnah) or painful punishment in both worlds.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period when the Muslim community was establishing proper social and religious protocols around the Prophet (ﷺ). This ayah is part of a broader section (Surah An-Nur) addressing adab (proper conduct and etiquette) in the believer's interactions, particularly concerning the Prophet's dignity and the importance of seeking permission before leaving gatherings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the hadith regarding seeking permission: 'When one of you intends to leave a gathering, let him ask permission' (related in various collections regarding proper conduct).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that showing proper respect to religious leadership and guidance is not merely cultural courtesy but a spiritual obligation with real consequences. Believers should cultivate conscious awareness that Allah observes all actions, whether public or secret, and that faithful obedience to righteous command protects us from spiritual trial and divine punishment.