Surah Luqman 31:23
سُورَةُ لُقۡمَانَ · Meccan · Verse 23 of 34
وَمَن كَفَرَ فَلَا يَحْزُنكَ كُفْرُهُۥٓ ۚ إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُهُمْ فَنُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
Translation
As for those who refuse to do this, do not let their refusal sadden you [Prophet]- they will return to Us and We shall tell them what they have done: God knows all that hearts contain-
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse offers profound solace and a stern warning, expressed through precise divine wording. It addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly, consoling him regarding the persistent disbelief of those who reject his message. Allah is speaking, reassuring His Messenger and subtly warning the disbelievers of their ultimate accountability.
A Comforting Command
The verse begins, "And whoever disbelieves, let not his disbelief grieve you." The Arabic phrase `فلا يَحزُنْكَ كُفْرُهُ` holds a subtle rhetorical power. As Ibn Ashur explains, the prohibition from grieving is ascribed to "their disbelief" rather than directly to the Prophet's heart. This implies that if the Prophet dismisses the idea of their disbelief from his thoughts, the associated sadness will naturally dissipate. It is a divine directive to release the burden of their rejection. Al-Razi adds that one who is certain of the truth and its eventual manifestation will not grieve, but rather the disbelievers will ultimately face humiliation. The commentaries also note two distinct yet equally eloquent readings of `يَحْزُنْكَ` (to cause grief): one from *hazana* and another from *ahzana*, both conveying the same meaning of deep sorrow, highlighting the richness of the Arabic language.
Whose Return, Whose Knowledge?
The reason for this comfort is immediately provided: `إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُهُمْ` (To Us is their return). The placement of `إِلَيْنَا` (to Us) at the beginning emphasizes that their ultimate destination is *exclusively* Allah. This emphatic declaration serves as a deep assurance to the Prophet and a clear reminder that accountability rests solely with the Divine. It’s a foundational truth: everyone returns to their Creator.
Following this, Allah says, `فَنُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوا` (then We will inform them of what they did). The word `نُنَبِّئُهُم` means "We will inform them" or "We will tell them in detail." Ibn Ashur points out that this is a subtle way of expressing recompense. Instead of directly stating "We will punish them," the verse uses "We will inform them," which implies a precise, undeniable revelation of their deeds, leading to their just reward or punishment. It evokes a scene of perfect knowledge where nothing is hidden.
Beyond Outward Deeds
The verse concludes with a powerful justification for this informing: `إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ` (Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what is in the breasts). This emphasizes Allah's comprehensive knowledge, not just of outward actions, but of the innermost secrets, intentions, and beliefs hidden within the hearts. `ذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ` refers to everything concealed in the chest – the intentions, the hidden disbelief, the plotting (Ibn Ashur). This affirmation of Allah's perfect knowledge assures the Prophet that every hidden motive behind their disbelief is known to Allah, and justice will be meted out perfectly. It reinforces that nothing escapes Allah's awareness, providing a complete and profound consolation.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Luqman 31:23 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Luqman 31:23 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.