Surah Al-Baqarah 2:104
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 104 of 286
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَقُولُوا۟ رَٰعِنَا وَقُولُوا۟ ٱنظُرْنَا وَٱسْمَعُوا۟ ۗ وَلِلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ
Translation
Believers, do not say [to the Prophet], ‘Raina,’ but say, ‘Unzurna,’ and listen [to him]: an agonizing torment awaits those who ignore [God’s words].
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
A Lesson in Reverence and Respect
This verse, Surah 2:104, is addressed to us, the believers, by Allah Himself. It teaches us profound lessons about the power of our words, the importance of respect for His Prophet, peace be upon him, and the subtlety of communication.
The Word That Was Forbidden
Allah says, "يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تقولوا راعنا" (O you who have believed, do not say 'raa'ina'). The word "راعنا" (raa'ina) originally comes from the root meaning to "care for," "watch over," or "be gentle with." When the early Muslims spoke to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, they would use this phrase, intending to say, "Be patient with us," or "Please wait for us to understand fully" as he taught them the Quran and the teachings of Islam. They sought his gentle attention.
However, as Ibn Ashur explains, this seemingly innocent Arabic word had a dangerous dual meaning. There was a similar-sounding word in Hebrew or Syriac that the Jewish community used as an insult, meaning something derogatory like "may you not hear" or even implying foolishness, as al-Razi notes. The Jews, in their hypocrisy, seized upon the believers' use of "راعنا" to subtly insult the Prophet, peace be upon him, while pretending to be respectful. Allah, in His wisdom and protection of His Messenger, revealed this verse to shut down this avenue of disrespect. This is a beautiful example of a legal principle in Islam known as *sadd al-dhara'i'* (blocking the means to evil), where something permissible is forbidden because it can lead to harm.
A Better Word: "Look at Us"
Instead, Allah instructed the believers, "وقولوا انظرنا" (And say 'unthurna'). This alternative word, "انظرنا" (unthurna), also means "look at us," or "wait for us," conveying the exact same respectful request for the Prophet's attention and patience, but without any potential for misinterpretation or malicious intent. Ibn Ashur highlights this as a point of divine eloquence, where a perfect linguistic substitute is provided that is similar in form and meaning, yet entirely free from harm. It teaches us to choose our words with care, especially when addressing those we revere.
The True Meaning of Listening
The verse then adds, "واسْمَعُوا" (And listen). This isn't just about physically hearing sounds. As scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain, "اسمعوا" here means to listen with full attention, comprehension, and acceptance. It implies listening with an open mind and heart, ready to understand and obey. If the believers truly listened and absorbed what the Prophet, peace be upon him, was saying, they wouldn't need to ask him to wait or repeat as often. This deeper listening is contrasted with the disbelievers, particularly the Jews, who often "heard" but did not accept or obey, exemplified by their statement "we hear and we disobey."
A Grave Warning
Finally, the verse concludes with a stern warning: "وللكافرين عذاب أليم" (And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment). This serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of disrespect towards Allah's Messenger and His commands. Those who persist in such behavior, intentionally or otherwise, align themselves with the disbelievers who reject truth and show contempt for divine guidance.
Through these seemingly simple instructions about word choice, Allah teaches us the profound importance of purity of intention and expression, particularly in our interactions with those who guide us to Him.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:104 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Baqarah 2:104 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.