وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ۚ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ 4
Translations
And if they deny you, [O Muḥammad] - already were messengers denied before you. And to Allāh are returned [all] matters.
Transliteration
Wa in yukadhdhiibuka faqad kudhdhhibat rusulun min qablika wa ila Allahi turja'u al-umur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah consoles Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reminding him that rejection by his people is not unprecedented—previous messengers were also denied and ridiculed. The verse emphasizes that all affairs ultimately return to Allah for judgment and justice. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this serves to strengthen the Prophet's resolve during persecution, while Al-Tabari emphasizes the universal pattern of prophetic rejection and divine vindication.
Revelation Context
Surah Fatir is a Meccan surah revealed during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet in Mecca. This ayah addresses the psychological and spiritual challenges the Prophet faced from constant rejection by the Quraysh, providing solace by contextualizing his experience within the broader narrative of prophethood and divine will.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said, 'The greatest trial in my people will be wealth,' reflecting the theme that prophets face opposition. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet is encouraged by accounts of previous prophets' patience during persecution.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that facing opposition or rejection for standing firm in faith is a tested pattern throughout history, and that ultimate justice rests only with Allah—providing hope and perspective during times of hardship or ridicule.