قَالُوا۟ رَبُّنَا يَعْلَمُ إِنَّآ إِلَيْكُمْ لَمُرْسَلُونَ 16
Translations
They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you,
Transliteration
Qalū rabbunā ya'lamu innā ilaykum lamursalūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The three messengers respond to the people's rejection by affirming their trust in Allah's knowledge of their sincere mission and reiterating that they are indeed sent as messengers to guide them. This statement demonstrates the messengers' unwavering conviction in their divine commission despite human opposition. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that their appeal to Allah's knowledge reflects their reliance on divine wisdom rather than human acceptance, establishing that true success lies in fulfilling one's duty, not in achieving immediate worldly results.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative in Surah Ya-Sin (verses 13-29) depicting three messengers sent to the people of Antioch, whom Ibn Abbas and other scholars identify as followers or companions of the apostles sent by Jesus. The broader context illustrates the recurring pattern of prophetic rejection and serves as a consolation to Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community facing persecution in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The theme of messengers being rejected is reflected in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3477) where the Prophet Muhammad says: 'The most tested people are the prophets, then those nearest to them,' emphasizing that rejection is part of the divine test for messengers. Additionally, Surah 36:20 mentions a believer from the same people who says 'O my people, follow the messengers,' connecting to the theme of faith despite opposition.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should find assurance that fulfilling one's divine duty faithfully matters more than achieving immediate human approval or acceptance, and that sincere intention combined with trust in Allah's omniscience provides spiritual fortitude against opposition and rejection.