Tafseer-e-Quran Surah Hood Ayat 12 by Maulana Syed

Tafseer of Surah Hud, Ayat 12
Arabic Text:
فَلَعَلَّكَ تَارِكٌۭ بَعْضَ مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَضَآئِقٌۭ بِهِۦ صَدْرُكَ أَن يَقُولُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ كَنزٌ أَوْ جَآءَ مَعَهُۥ مَلَكٌۭ ۚ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ نَذِيرٌۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَكِيلٌۭ
Translation:
"So perhaps you would give up some of what is revealed to you, and your heart feels constrained by it because they say, 'Why has not a treasure been sent down to him or an angel come with him?' But you are only a warner, and Allah is the Guardian over all things."
Tafseer (Explanation):
In this verse, Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding the challenges and emotional burden he faces in conveying the message of Islam to the Quraysh and other disbelievers. The disbelievers would frequently mock and challenge the Prophet, questioning why he was not given miracles like treasures or angels to affirm his prophethood. They sought material proof, asking for supernatural signs to satisfy their disbelief, and ridiculed him for the lack of worldly grandeur.
Prophet's Struggles
This verse reflects the immense emotional strain the Prophet (PBUH) endured. Despite his sincere efforts to guide people, many rejected him, and their taunts weighed heavily on his heart. The phrase "ضَآئِقٌۭ بِهِۦ صَدْرُكَ" (your heart feels constrained by it) shows that he felt distress in response to their baseless demands and rejection. From a Shia perspective, this reminds us of the profound compassion and humanity of the Prophet, who cared deeply for the people and grieved over their refusal to accept the truth.
The Demand for Miracles
The disbelievers demanded material miracles, such as the descent of a treasure or the appearance of an angel. However, Allah clarifies that the role of the Prophet is not to provide worldly wonders but to deliver the message as a نَذِيرٌ (warner). The essence of prophethood lies in guiding people toward spiritual enlightenment and obedience to Allah.
It exegetes emphasize that material miracles, though present in the lives of earlier prophets (such as the miracles of Musa [Moses] and Isa [Jesus]), were not the ultimate proof of truth. In Islam, the Qur'an itself stands as the everlasting miracle. It is a مُعْجِزَةٌ (miracle) that surpasses material demands, providing eternal guidance and wisdom.
Patience and Perseverance
The phrase "فَلَعَلَّكَ تَارِكٌۭ بَعْضَ مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ" (So perhaps you would give up some of what is revealed to you) suggests that the Prophet might have felt inclined to withhold certain parts of the revelation due to the hostility and mockery he faced. But Allah reassures him that his duty is simply to convey the message, and that "وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَكِيلٌ" (Allah is the Guardian over all things). Allah is the ultimate protector and overseer, and it is He who will ensure the success of the divine mission.
Insights
From a Shia perspective, this verse highlights the prophetic mission's moral and spiritual dimensions. The Ahlul Bayt (AS) are the inheritors of this mission. They, too, faced tremendous opposition and mockery but remained steadfast in their role as guides and warners. The Imams of Ahlul Bayt continued the legacy of the Prophet in carrying the spiritual torch of Islam, emphasizing that the guidance from Allah is not contingent on material proofs but on divine wisdom and spiritual leadership.