لَقَدْ حَقَّ ٱلْقَوْلُ عَلَىٰٓ أَكْثَرِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ 7
Translations
Already the word [i.e., decree] has come into effect upon most of them, so they do not believe.
Transliteration
Laqad haqqa al-qawlu ala akthirihim fahum la yu'minun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah's decree of disbelief has been justly applied to most of the people addressed, and consequently they will not believe. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as referring to Allah's prior knowledge and decree that the majority would reject faith, based on their hearts being sealed due to their persistent rejection and arrogance. The ayah emphasizes divine justice—those who turn away from guidance are left to their disbelief as a consequence of their own choices and stubborn resistance to truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ya-Sin, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early persecution of Muslims. The broader context addresses the disbelief of the Meccan polytheists despite clear signs and warnings. This particular verse reassures the Prophet (peace be upon him) that the widespread rejection he faced was part of Allah's established decree, reinforcing the theme that not all will accept guidance regardless of how clear the message is.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Every soul has been written whether it will be wretched or happy' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari states: 'Allah has written the fate of all creatures fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth,' relating to the concept of divine decree mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that while Allah's decree is just and true, human accountability remains intact—disbelief results from deliberate rejection and hardening of hearts, not arbitrary divine will. For believers, it provides comfort that widespread rejection of Islamic truth is part of God's known plan, encouraging steadfastness despite opposition.