وَإِذَا رَأَوْا۟ ءَايَةً يَسْتَسْخِرُونَ 14
Translations
And when they see a sign, they ridicule.
Transliteration
Wa-idha raa'aw ayatan yastaskhiroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the disbelievers respond to the signs (miracles and proofs) of Allah by mocking and ridiculing them rather than reflecting upon them with sincere hearts. Ibn Kathir explains that 'istiskhara' (استسخرون) means to mock and jeer, highlighting the arrogance and spiritual blindness of those who reject divine guidance. Al-Tabari notes this reflects a consistent pattern of the disbelievers' responses to the Qur'an and the Prophet's message—their hearts were sealed from accepting truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat, a Meccan chapter that discusses the fate of disbelievers and believers. The broader context (verses 12-15) portrays the Meccan pagans' persistent mockery of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), showing their rejection despite clear signs being presented to them.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of the guidance and the 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 there is] some hard ground that retains no water.' This illustrates how hearts respond differently to divine signs.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that intellectual pride and arrogance are formidable barriers to accepting truth; we must approach divine signs with humility and openness rather than prejudice, recognizing that mocking guidance is ultimately self-destructive.