أَءُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلذِّكْرُ مِنۢ بَيْنِنَا ۚ بَلْ هُمْ فِى شَكٍّ مِّن ذِكْرِى ۖ بَل لَّمَّا يَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابِ 8
Translations
Has the message been revealed to him out of [all of] us?" Rather, they are in doubt about My message. Rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.
Transliteration
A-unnzila alayhi adh-dhikru min bayninaa bal hum fee shakkin min dhikree bal lamma yadhooqoo adhaba
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Mecca arrogantly questioned why the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad specifically and not to one of their own, expressing their rejection and doubt about the revelation. Allah responds that their real problem is not the messenger or the mode of revelation, but rather their stubborn hearts filled with doubt and denial—and they will soon taste the punishment for their rejection when it arrives. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this reflects the Quraysh's jealousy and tribal arrogance, as they could not accept that prophecy was given to Muhammad outside their leadership circles.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Sad (a Meccan surah) and addresses the specific objections and mockery of the Meccan polytheists toward Prophet Muhammad's message. The context reflects the early Meccan period when the Quraysh actively resisted the revelation and sought excuses to reject it, often claiming the Qur'an should have been revealed to someone more prominent among their own people.
Related Hadiths
The theme of people's denial of truth despite clear signs is reflected in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet ﷺ said: 'The example of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth.' Related to doubt and disbelief, see Sahih Bukhari 4477 where the Prophet described those who dispute the signs of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true belief requires humility and openness to divine guidance regardless of its source or the messenger chosen by Allah, and that persistent doubt and rejection of clear signs inevitably leads to divine punishment. We should examine our hearts for hidden doubts and arrogance that prevent us from accepting truth.