تِلْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهَآ إِلَيْكَ ۖ مَا كُنتَ تَعْلَمُهَآ أَنتَ وَلَا قَوْمُكَ مِن قَبْلِ هَـٰذَا ۖ فَٱصْبِرْ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلْعَـٰقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ 49
Translations
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muḥammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous.
Transliteration
Tilka min anba al-ghayb nuheeha ilayk, ma kunta ta'lamuha anta wa la qawmuka min qabli hadha, fa-sbir, inna al-'aqibata lil-muttaqeen.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the narrative of Prophet Nuh (Noah) by informing Prophet Muhammad that the stories of the unseen (past events) are being revealed to him through divine inspiration—knowledge neither he nor his people possessed before. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is commanding the Prophet to be patient with rejection from his people, as He was patient with Nuh's people, assuring him that ultimate victory belongs to the righteous. Al-Tabari emphasizes that these historical accounts serve as proof of prophethood and consolation during persecution.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears at the end of the story of Prophet Nuh in Surah Hud (Meccan period). It contextualizes the narrative as divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad, reminding him during the early persecution in Mecca that he is receiving knowledge of the unseen through prophethood, just as previous prophets did. The ayah transitions to encouraging patience, a key theme in Meccan surahs addressing early hardships.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Volume 4, Book 55, Hadith 552) where the Prophet said, 'I have been given the Qur'an and something similar to it (Sunnah),' indicating revealed knowledge of the unseen. Also relevant: Muslim's hadith on the Prophet's patience during persecution.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true knowledge of past events and hidden truths comes only through divine revelation, not human speculation, and provides believers confidence that despite worldly hardships, those who fear Allah will ultimately triumph. For modern readers, it emphasizes trusting in divine guidance and maintaining patience through trials, knowing that righteousness brings ultimate success.