وَلَآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِى خَزَآئِنُ ٱللَّهِ وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ ٱلْغَيْبَ وَلَآ أَقُولُ إِنِّى مَلَكٌ وَلَآ أَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ تَزْدَرِىٓ أَعْيُنُكُمْ لَن يُؤْتِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ خَيْرًا ۖ ٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ إِنِّىٓ إِذًا لَّمِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 31
Translations
And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allāh or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allāh will never grant them any good. Allāh is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]."
Transliteration
Wa lā aqulu lakum `indī khazā'inu Allāhi wa lā a`lamu al-ghayba wa lā aqulu innī malakun wa lā aqulu lilladhīna tazdārī `ayunukum lan yu'tīyahumu Allāhu khayran, Allāhu a`lamu bimā fī anfusihim, innī idhan lamina al-ẓālimīn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet Nuh (Noah) refutes false claims that his adversaries attributed to him, emphasizing his humility and honesty as a messenger. He clarifies that he does not claim to possess God's treasures, knowledge of the unseen, or angelic status, nor does he despise the poor—rather, Allah alone knows what is in their hearts, and to judge them as unworthy would be an injustice. Classical exegetes like Ibn Kathir note this ayah demonstrates the character of a true prophet: disclaiming special powers while maintaining faith in Allah's justice and wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Hud's account of Prophet Nuh's preaching to his people over 950 years. The immediate context shows Nuh responding to the mockery and rejection of the elite disbelievers who looked down upon his poor followers. This reflects the historical reality that many early converts to the message were from the lower social strata, which the wealthy and powerful despised.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (4897): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, 'The best of you are those who have the best character.' This relates to Nuh's demonstration of noble character in his truthfulness and rejection of arrogance. Additionally, Tirmidhi (3895) records a hadith about humble servants of Allah being honored despite their worldly poverty.
Themes
Key Lesson
True prophethood is marked by honesty, humility, and the refusal to make false claims about divine knowledge or status. Believers should similarly avoid arrogance, not despise others based on wealth or status, and trust that Allah alone judges the hearts and intentions of all people.