رَبِّ إِنَّهُنَّ أَضْلَلْنَ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۖ فَمَن تَبِعَنِى فَإِنَّهُۥ مِنِّى ۖ وَمَنْ عَصَانِى فَإِنَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 36
Translations
My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me - then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me - indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Rabbi innahunna adlalna katheeran mina an-naasi faman tabi'ani fa-innahoo minni wa man 'asani fa-innaka ghafoorun raheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) makes a supplication to Allah, lamenting that idols have led many people astray, and he seeks Allah's mercy for those who disobey him while affirming that those who follow him are truly his followers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah reflects Ibrahim's concern for humanity's guidance and his trust in Allah's ultimate mercy and wisdom in judgment, establishing the principle that the responsibility of the messenger is to convey the message, while the outcome rests with Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Ibrahim, which was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to Prophet Muhammad and the message of Tawheed (monotheism). It forms part of Ibrahim's prayer and reflects the broader surah's theme of the struggle between monotheism and idolatry, illustrating how even the greatest prophets faced rejection and sought Allah's guidance for their people.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 3370 records that Prophet Muhammad said, 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,' reflecting the compassionate concern for guidance shown by Ibrahim in this supplication. Additionally, the principle of a messenger's limited responsibility is affirmed in Surah 42:48: 'And if they turn away, We have not sent you as a guardian over them.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while we have a duty to call others to the truth with wisdom and compassion, the ultimate guidance belongs to Allah alone, freeing us from the burden of forcing belief on others and strengthening our trust in Allah's infinite mercy and justice.