وَلَا تُطِيعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ 151
Translations
And do not obey the order of the transgressors,
Transliteration
Wa lā tuṭīʿū amra al-musrifīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers not to obey the orders of the wasteful and extravagant ones (al-musrifīn). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers specifically to the wealthy oppressors of the People of Salih who rejected the Message and led others astray through their excess and disobedience. The command emphasizes that obedience to Allah and His Messenger supersedes any allegiance to those who squander resources and violate divine boundaries.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara's recounting of the story of Salih and the Thamud people. Salih warned his people against following the extravagant leaders who rejected the signs of Allah, making this a timeless reminder to believers during all eras to resist the influence of those who promote wastefulness and sin.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895). This contrasts with the musrifīn who neglect moral responsibility. Additionally, the Quran states: 'Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils' (17:27), directly condemning extravagance.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must exercise discernment in whom they follow, prioritizing divine guidance over the commands of those who promote excess and moral corruption. This ayah teaches that true loyalty lies with Allah's path, not with influential figures who lead toward destruction through wasteful and sinful practices.