وَمَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُم مِّن كُتُبٍ يَدْرُسُونَهَا ۖ وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَيْهِمْ قَبْلَكَ مِن نَّذِيرٍ 44
Translations
And We had not given them any scriptures which they could study, and We had not sent to them before you, [O Muḥammad], any warner.
Transliteration
Wa mā ātaynāhum min kutubiyya yadrusūnahā wa mā arsalnā ilayhim qablaka min nadhīr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the Quraysh were not given any scriptures to study, nor were they sent any warner before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as emphasizing the uniqueness of the Quranic revelation and the unprecedented nature of Muhammad's prophethood among the Arabs, removing any excuse for their rejection of the message. The ayah serves to highlight that the disbelievers cannot claim ignorance, as they are now receiving clear guidance directly from Allah through the Prophet.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Saba (a Meccan surah) within the context of addressing the Quraysh's rejection and denial of the Prophet's message despite the clear signs presented to them. The surah discusses how previous nations were given prophets and scriptures, contrasting with the Quraysh's initial condition before receiving the Quranic revelation.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Hadith Qudsi where Allah states the responsibility of those who receive divine guidance. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said, 'The best of you are those of my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them,' emphasizing the honor of being among the first recipients of clear guidance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that receiving clear divine guidance carries profound responsibility and eliminates excuses for spiritual complacency; it also encourages reflection on one's own acceptance or rejection of truth in light of the clarity available to us today.