وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنَّا عَـٰمِلُونَ 121
Translations
And say to those who do not believe, "Work according to your position; indeed, we are working.
Transliteration
Wa qul lilladhīna lā yu'minūn i'malū 'alā makānatikum innā 'āamilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is Allah's command to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to tell the disbelievers to continue in their state and actions, for the believers will also continue in their faith and righteous deeds. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents a declaration of resolve and confidence—the Muslims will persist in their obedience to Allah while the disbelievers persist in their rejection, and each group will face the consequences of their choices. This is both a challenge and a reassurance that truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Hud, a Meccan surah dealing with the stories of the prophets and their struggles against disbelief. The verse reflects the early Meccan period when the Prophet and believers faced severe opposition and mockery from the Quraysh, and serves to strengthen the resolve of the Muslim community to remain steadfast despite persecution.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' emphasizing steadfastness in faith and good character. Also relevant is the hadith about patient perseverance in Jami' at-Tirmidhi regarding those who remain firm in their religion despite opposition.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to remain unwavering in their commitment to faith and righteousness regardless of opposition or mockery from others, trusting that Allah's plan will ultimately triumph. It serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in steadfast obedience to Allah rather than in material power or numbers.