فَقَرَأَهُۥ عَلَيْهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ مُؤْمِنِينَ 199
Translations
And he had recited it to them [perfectly], they would [still] not have been believers in it.
Transliteration
Faqara'ahu 'alayhi maa kaanoo bihi mu'mineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to how the messenger (Salih, peace be upon him) recited or conveyed Allah's signs to his people, yet they refused to believe in him despite the clear evidence presented to them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as highlighting the stubbornness and rejection of the people of Thamud, demonstrating that even when Allah's signs are clearly presented through His messenger, disbelief remains a choice of the heart. This illustrates the principle that knowledge of truth does not automatically lead to faith without divine guidance (hidayah).
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which recounts stories of various prophets and their peoples' responses to the message. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the early period and emphasizes the consistent pattern of prophet rejection by their communities. The specific context here addresses the tribe of Thamud and Prophet Salih's mission, illustrating themes of divine guidance and human free will.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with the hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3334) where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most wretched person is one whom I saw twice' - referring to those who witness signs yet persist in disbelief. Additionally, Surah 10:100 complements this theme: 'And it is not for a soul to believe except by permission of Allah.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that presenting truth clearly to others is the responsibility of the believer and messenger, but ultimately the acceptance of faith rests with Allah's guidance and the listener's sincere willingness to reflect and believe. Modern readers should recognize that intellectual knowledge of truth differs from heartfelt belief, and should examine their own sincerity in accepting divine guidance.