وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ ۚ وَلَئِن جِئْتَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ لَّيَقُولَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا مُبْطِلُونَ 58
Translations
And We have certainly presented to the people in this Qur’ān from every [kind of] example. But, [O Muḥammad], if you should bring them a sign, the disbelievers will surely say, "You [believers] are but falsifiers."
Transliteration
Wa-laqad darabnā li-n-nāsi fī hādhā l-qur'āni min kulli mathali wa-la-in ji'tahum bi-āyatin la-yaqūlunna l-ladhīna kafarū in antum illā mubṭilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah states that He has presented in the Quran examples and parables for people of every type to understand His message, yet despite this clarity, the disbelievers persistently reject the signs and accuse the believers of falsehood. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that the Quran's parables are comprehensive and accessible, addressing human nature in multiple ways, yet those who reject faith remain obstinate in their denial. This ayah illustrates the phenomenon that evidence and clarity do not guarantee faith—the disbeliever's rejection stems from spiritual blindness and willful denial, not intellectual insufficiency.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rum (revealed in Mecca) and addresses the Meccan polytheists' persistent rejection despite the numerous examples and clear signs presented to them throughout the Quran. The broader surah discusses the contrast between believers and disbelievers, and this particular verse emphasizes the futility the Prophet ﷺ faced in presenting evidence to those whose hearts were sealed against faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth; some of which is fertile soil that absorbs water and brings forth vegetation and pasture in abundance. But some of it is hard, barren land that holds the water. Thus Allah has benefited people with this knowledge which they have accepted and learned.' (Sahih Bukhari 1/25). This hadith parallels the ayah's theme about how the same message affects people differently based on their receptiveness.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that the presentation of truth is ultimately Allah's responsibility, while human responsibility lies in sincere seeking and openness to guidance—rejection despite clear signs reflects hardness of heart rather than lack of evidence. For believers, it provides comfort that steadfast communication of truth is valuable even when rejected, and reminds us that faith requires both external clarity and internal receptiveness.