قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ أَرَهْطِىٓ أَعَزُّ عَلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱتَّخَذْتُمُوهُ وَرَآءَكُمْ ظِهْرِيًّا ۖ إِنَّ رَبِّى بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ 92
Translations
He said, "O my people, is my family more respected for power by you than Allāh? But you put Him behind your backs [in neglect]. Indeed, my Lord is encompassing of what you do.
Transliteration
Qāla yā qawmi arhaṭī aʿazzu ʿalaykum mina-llāhi wa-ttakhadhtumuhu warāʾakum ẓihriyyā, inna rabbī bimā taʿmalūn muḥīṭ
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Shuayb addresses his people, expressing astonishment that they hold him in greater esteem than Allah, while simultaneously turning away from His guidance. He reminds them that Allah is fully aware of all their deeds and will hold them accountable. Ibn Kathir notes this reflects Shuayb's grief that his kinship bond motivated their initial interest, yet they rejected the divine message itself—placing human relationships above obedience to the Creator.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Shuayb (Jethro) in Surah Hud, addressing the people of Madyan who engaged in commercial dishonesty and idol worship. The thematic context shows Shuayb's final appeal before the divine punishment befell them, highlighting the tragic irony that his tribe's respect for him personally could not overcome their spiritual blindness and rejection of monotheism.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, the principle is reflected in: 'The best of people are those in my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them' (Sahih Bukhari 2652), emphasizing that following divine guidance supersedes kinship bonds. Also relevant is the teaching that Allah's knowledge encompasses all actions (Quran 64:4, Surah At-Taghabun).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that earthly relationships and social status, however honorable, cannot substitute for genuine obedience to Allah and acceptance of His message. Muslims should prioritize divine guidance over cultural attachments or familial pressure, understanding that Allah's awareness encompasses all actions and sincere hearts will ultimately be judged by their submission to His will.