Surah Al-Ahzab 33:48
سُورَةُ الأَحۡزَابِ · Medinan · Verse 48 of 73
وَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ وَٱلْمُنَٰفِقِينَ وَدَعْ أَذَىٰهُمْ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًۭا
Translation
Do not give in to the disbelievers and the hypocrites: ignore the harm they cause you and put your trust in God. God is enough to trust.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly, offering him profound guidance and strength in his mission. It serves as both a firm directive and a source of deep reassurance from Allah, setting the tone for how he should interact with those who oppose his call.
Steadfastness in Command
Allah begins by commanding, "وَلَا تُطِعِ الْكَافِرِينَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ" (And do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites). This isn't a suggestion but a clear prohibition. As al-Jalalayn points out, this means not to obey them "in what contradicts your law." Ibn Ashur clarifies that the phrase implies a command for the Prophet to *continue* his existing steadfastness, not to give in to any potential requests or pressures from them that would compromise his divine message. This command is a powerful affirmation of the Prophet's role as a "warner" (nadhīr), ensuring he delivers Allah's message without compromise or fear of opposition.
Navigating Harm
Next, the verse instructs, "وَدَعْ أَذَىٰهُمْ" (And leave their harm). This phrase carries a beautiful duality, as explored by scholars like Ibn Ashur. It can mean: "do not harm them" in retaliation for their mischief, letting Allah handle their ultimate accountability. Alternatively, it can mean: "do not be bothered or saddened by the harm they inflict upon you" through their words or actions. Ibn Ashur suggests embracing both meanings, teaching the Prophet to rise above petty retaliation while also not allowing their harm to distract or discourage him from his momentous task. This links beautifully to the Prophet's role as a "witness" (shāhid), who observes and reports, entrusting ultimate judgment to Allah.
Trust in the Ultimate Trustee
The verse culminates with the majestic command, "وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ ۚ وَكَفٰى بِاللّٰهِ وَكِيلًا" (And rely upon Allah, and sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of affairs). *Tawakkul* means to place complete trust and delegate all affairs to Allah. It's an act of profound surrender and confidence. Al-Razi explains why Allah is the perfect *Wakil* (Disposer of affairs or Trustee): unlike any human agent, Allah possesses infinite strength, knowledge, and self-sufficiency, making Him perfectly capable of managing every detail entrusted to Him. This instruction is particularly fitting for the Prophet as a "caller to Allah" (dā'iyan ila Allah), reassuring him that Allah will suffice him in conveying the message and protecting him from his adversaries. The concluding phrase, "sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of affairs," serves as a powerful affirmation, leaving no doubt about Allah's complete and unwavering support.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Ahzab 33:48 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-Ahzab 33:48 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.