مَا يُجَـٰدِلُ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَلَا يَغْرُرْكَ تَقَلُّبُهُمْ فِى ٱلْبِلَـٰدِ 4
Translations
No one disputes concerning the signs of Allāh except those who disbelieve, so be not deceived by their [uninhibited] movement throughout the land.
Transliteration
Mā yujādilu fī āyāti-llāhi illā alladhīna kafarū fa-lā yaghrurkak taqallubuhum fi-l-bilād
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that none dispute the signs of Allah except those who disbelieve, and warns the Prophet (peace be upon him) not to be deceived by the prosperity and freedom of movement these disbelievers enjoy in the lands. Ibn Kathir explains that their worldly success and apparent comfort should not mislead the believers into thinking their position is superior, as their ultimate end is destruction. Al-Tabari emphasizes that the argumentation (jidāl) against Allah's signs is a characteristic of the disbelievers' nature, while their apparent worldly advancement is merely a temporary trial.
Revelation Context
Surah Ghafir was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. This ayah addresses the believers' concern about the apparent success and influence of the Meccan disbelievers despite their rejection of faith. The broader context deals with the disbelievers' arguments against the Quran and monotheism, and their arrogant rejection of the message.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Do not be impressed by the wealth and children of a man, for these are only a trial in this world' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Quran mentions: 'Do not let their wealth and children impress you; Allah only intends to punish them with these things in this worldly life' (9:85).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not be deceived by the apparent success, wealth, or influence of those who reject Allah's signs, as material prosperity in this world is temporary and does not indicate truth or divine favor. True success lies in faith and obedience to Allah, regardless of external circumstances or worldly hardships.
Related Ayahs
قَالُوٓا۟ أَوَلَمْ تَكُ تَأْتِيكُمْ رُسُلُكُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ ۖ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ ۚ قَالُوا۟ فَٱدْعُوا۟ ۗ وَمَا دُعَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ
They will say, "Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?" They will say, "Yes." They will reply, "Then supplicate [yourselves], but the supplication of the disbelievers is not except in error [i.e., futility]."
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ ۚ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
Those who denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter - their deeds have become worthless. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَكَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَحِيمِ
But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those are the companions of Hellfire.
وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتُنَا بَيِّنَـٰتٍ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who disbelieve say of the truth when it has come to them, "This is obvious magic."