وَقِيلِهِۦ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ قَوْمٌ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ 88
Translations
And [Allāh acknowledges] his saying, "O my Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe."
Transliteration
Wa qīlihī yā rabbi inna hāʾulāʾi qawmun lā yuʾminūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah represents the supplication of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his Lord, expressing his concern and distress over his people's rejection of the message. The Prophet's plea—'My Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe'—reflects his deep compassion for the Quraysh despite their persistent disbelief and mockery. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this demonstrates the Prophet's noble character and earnest desire for their guidance, even in the face of their stubborn rejection.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Az-Zukhruf, a Meccan surah addressing the persistent disbelief and idolatry of the Quraysh during the Prophet's early preaching in Mecca. The broader context (43:88-89) shows the Prophet's emotional response to his people's refusal to accept tawheed, followed by Allah's instruction to turn away from them with honor and patience.
Related Hadiths
The general theme relates to Hadith Qudsi where Allah says He is with the brokenhearted and those who suffer, and to the Hadith in Sahih Muslim describing how the Prophet wept and grieved over the disbelief of the Quraysh, emphasizing his mercy toward them.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that genuine concern for others' guidance, coupled with sincere du'a to Allah, is a mark of true prophethood and a noble character trait. It reminds us to maintain compassion toward those who reject truth while trusting in Allah's wisdom, rather than responding with anger or despair.
Related Ayahs
وَقَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَ ٱلسَّاحِرُ ٱدْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِندَكَ إِنَّنَا لَمُهْتَدُونَ
And they said [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided."
وَإِنَّهُۥ لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ فَلَا تَمْتَرُنَّ بِهَا وَٱتَّبِعُونِ ۚ هَـٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
And indeed, he [i.e., Jesus] will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.
فَأَهْلَكْنَآ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا وَمَضَىٰ مَثَلُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ
And We destroyed greater than them in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded.
أَوَمَن يُنَشَّؤُا۟ فِى ٱلْحِلْيَةِ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْخِصَامِ غَيْرُ مُبِينٍ
So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allāh]?