إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً ۖ وَمَا كَانَ أَكْثَرُهُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ 103
Translations
Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers.
Transliteration
Inna fee dhalika la-ayatan wa ma kana akthuruhum mu'mineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the narrative of Noah's people, emphasizing that in their destruction and the salvation of the believers there is indeed a clear sign (ayah) from Allah, yet most of them did not believe. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that despite witnessing such miraculous events—the flood destroying the disbelievers and the ark saving the faithful—the majority rejected Allah's message, demonstrating the hardening of hearts against truth. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this serves as an eternal lesson that miraculous signs alone do not guarantee faith without divine guidance (hidayah) and sincere hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan chapter that recounts stories of past prophets and their peoples, particularly emphasizing rejection of divine messages. The ayah specifically closes the account of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and his 950-year mission, contextualizing it within the broader Quranic theme of warning the Meccans through historical precedents of divine punishment upon disbelieving nations.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Quran is an intercessor, something permitted to intercede, and it is trusted. Whoever puts it forward, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind, it will drag him to the Hellfire.' (Hadith in At-Tabarani). Additionally, the principle 'Most of them do not believe' relates to the hadith: 'Few are those who enter Paradise' (Sahih Muslim), highlighting the rarity of true faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
Clear signs and miracles from Allah are abundant, yet faith ultimately depends on the sincere intention and preparation of the heart to accept truth. For modern believers, this teaches humility in recognizing that intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient—sincere seeking of guidance and openness to divine truth are essential for genuine belief.