وَمَا يَتَّبِعُ أَكْثَرُهُمْ إِلَّا ظَنًّا ۚ إِنَّ ٱلظَّنَّ لَا يُغْنِى مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ شَيْـًٔا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا يَفْعَلُونَ 36
Translations
And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of what they do.
Transliteration
Wa mā yattabi'u akthāruhum illā zannā. Inna az-zanna lā yughni mina al-haqqi shay'ā. Inna Allāha 'alīmun bimā yaf'alūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah criticizes those who follow mere conjecture and speculation (zann) instead of certain knowledge and divine guidance. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that zann refers to baseless assumptions and unfounded opinions, particularly regarding matters of faith and the Divine. The ayah establishes that conjecture provides no protection or benefit against the truth, and Allah remains fully aware of all human actions—an implicit warning that reliance on falsehood will not escape Divine knowledge or accountability.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Yunus (a Meccan surah revealed during the early persecution of Muslims), addressing the polytheists of Mecca who rejected the Qur'an and clung to the practices and beliefs of their ancestors based on mere custom and assumption rather than evidence. The surah repeatedly contrasts the certainty of Allah's message with the uncertainty of human conjecture.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Beware of suspicion (zann), for suspicion is the falsest of speech' (Sahih Bukhari 5143). Additionally, the Qur'an states in 49:12: 'O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.'
Themes
Key Lesson
In matters of faith and truth, we must distinguish between certain knowledge (based on revelation and evidence) and mere conjecture or personal preference. Relying on baseless assumptions in religious matters leaves us spiritually vulnerable, while trusting in Allah's wisdom and guidance provides genuine protection and rectitude.