وَمَآ أَكْثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ 103
Translations
And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers.
Transliteration
Wa mā aktharu an-nāsi wa law haraṣta bi-mu'minīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah conveys that most people will not believe, regardless of the Prophet's earnest desire and efforts to guide them. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this as a divine statement of reality regarding human nature and free will—Allah has not willed that the majority will accept faith. The ayah emphasizes that guidance is ultimately from Allah, and the Prophet's responsibility is to convey the message sincerely, not to guarantee belief.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Yusuf and reflects the broader Meccan theme of rejection faced by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It comes after the narration of Yusuf's story, which itself demonstrates trials, patience, and divine wisdom. The verse serves as consolation to the Prophet regarding the disbelief of most Meccans despite his passionate call to monotheism.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'For every prophet there is a closest companion, and mine is Abu Bakr' relates thematically to those who do believe despite general rejection. Additionally, Surah 10:99 complements this: 'And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together' (Sahih Bukhari commentary context).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers are reminded that sincere effort in da'wah (calling to Islam) does not guarantee acceptance, and this is part of Allah's divine wisdom and plan. Rather than despair over others' rejection, Muslims should focus on conveying the message truthfully and accepting that guidance ultimately rests with Allah alone.