وَٱصْنَعِ ٱلْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا وَلَا تُخَـٰطِبْنِى فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُم مُّغْرَقُونَ 37
Translations
And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned."
Transliteration
Wa-isna' al-fulka bi-a'yunina wa-wahy-ina wa-la tukhatabni fi-alladhina zalamu, innahum mughraqun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands Nuh (Noah) to construct the ark under His divine watch and revelation, while forbidding him from pleading on behalf of those who have wronged and rejected faith, as they are destined to be drowned. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah demonstrates Allah's wisdom in predetermining the fate of the disbelievers and the necessity for Nuh to cease intercession for them, as their destruction was already decreed. The phrase 'bi-a'yunina' (under Our eyes) signifies divine protection and oversight of the ark's construction.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Nuh preaching to his people for 950 years with minimal response. The context shows Allah's command to Nuh to prepare for the flood while his people mocked him. By this point in the surah, it has become clear that the disbelievers will not accept faith, and Allah forbids Nuh from wasting effort in supplication for them.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Muslim and other collections describes how Nuh's son refused to board the ark and drowned, illustrating the finality of Allah's decision regarding those who reject faith. Additionally, hadiths regarding the 950 years of Nuh's preaching (mentioned in tafsir literature) demonstrate the patience and dedication required in da'wah despite rejection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while we must strive in calling people to Allah's path, we must ultimately accept that guidance is from Allah alone and recognize when to cease efforts in the face of persistent rejection. It also reassures the faithful that those who obey Allah's commands will receive His divine care and protection, even when surrounded by overwhelming disbelief.