Detailed Scholarly Analysis
Detailed Analysis: Surah Ad-Dhuhaa Ayah 3
Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
Introduction
Surah Ad-Duha 93:3 delivers one of the Quran's most profound reassurances: 'ما ودعك ربك وما قلى' (Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He detested you). Al-Tabari explains this verse as the divine response to a solemn oath, addressing both the Prophet's personal concerns and the malicious claims of his enemies. According to multiple classical sources, this revelation came during a period when the usual flow of divine revelation had paused, creating anxiety for the Prophet and opportunity for criticism from opponents.
Translation Overview
The Arabic phrase demonstrates precise theological language that translations strive to capture. Sahih International renders it as 'Your Lord has not taken leave of you, nor has He detested you,' while Abdullah Yusuf Ali states 'Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.' Mufti Taqi Usmani translates it as 'your Lord has neither forsaken you, nor has become displeased.' The consistency across translations reflects the clarity of Allah's reassurance, with subtle variations emphasizing different aspects of divine commitment and love.
Classical Interpretation
Al-Tabari provides the foundational interpretation, explaining 'ودعك' as 'your Lord did not leave you' and 'قلى' as 'did not hate you.' He reports from Ibn Abbas that the meaning is definitively about not abandoning or despising the Prophet. Al-Qurtubi expands this understanding by documenting various historical circumstances of revelation, including reports about Gabriel's delayed visits and the resulting concerns. Ibn Kathir emphasizes the verse's role in refuting enemy claims about divine abandonment. Al-Baghawi succinctly states this as the answer to the oath, meaning Allah neither left the Prophet since choosing him nor hated him since loving him.
Linguistic Analysis
The particle 'ما' creates strong negation in both clauses, while the perfect tense verbs 'ودعك' and 'قلى' refer to completed actions that definitively did not occur. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'ودعك' comes from 'التوديع' (farewell-bidding), originally used for travelers but extended to mean abandonment after connection. The term 'قلى' derives from 'القلا' meaning intense hatred. The omission of the pronoun in 'قلى' (instead of 'قلاك') follows Arabic style for rhythmic verse endings, as explained by classical grammarians. Both verbs use second person singular, creating intimate divine address.
Historical Context
According to Al-Tabari's comprehensive documentation, this verse was revealed to refute Quraysh claims that 'Muhammad's Lord has bid him farewell and detested him' when revelation paused. Jundub ibn Abdullah reported that Gabriel's delay led to mockery from polytheists. Some reports mention a woman (possibly Abu Lahab's wife) saying 'your Satan has left you.' Al-Qurtubi preserves multiple accounts: some mention the Prophet's illness preventing night prayers, others describe finger injuries, and still others reference questions about the spirit and Dhul-Qarnayn that required delayed answers. Each account emphasizes the psychological impact of revelation cessation.
Related Hadiths
Al-Tabari preserves authentic reports from Jundub ibn Abdullah about polytheists claiming Allah had abandoned the Prophet when Gabriel delayed. Al-Qurtubi includes the account of a puppy dying under the Prophet's bed, preventing Gabriel's entry until its removal, after which this surah was revealed. Other reports mention the Prophet's concern leading to Khadijah's worried inquiry about divine displeasure. These hadiths consistently emphasize the emotional impact of revelation pauses and the divine wisdom in providing immediate reassurance through this revelation.
Practical Applications
This verse establishes a fundamental principle for believers experiencing spiritual dryness or apparent divine silence. Scholars explain that temporary cessation of spiritual experiences does not indicate divine abandonment or displeasure. The verse provides comfort during prayer difficulties, reduced religious motivation, or life challenges that might suggest divine withdrawal. Contemporary applications include understanding that Allah's love for believers remains constant regardless of fluctuating spiritual states, and that periods of apparent silence often precede renewed divine guidance and blessing.
Scholarly Insights
Qatada, as reported by Al-Tabari, emphasized that this reassurance came specifically because people were claiming divine abandonment. Al-Qurtubi's detailed documentation of various revelation circumstances shows divine wisdom in addressing multiple potential causes of concern. Ibn Kathir's emphasis on enemy refutation highlights the verse's apologetic function. Contemporary scholars note that this verse establishes the theological principle that Allah's relationship with believers is based on His eternal love and wisdom, not on human perception of immediate divine response.
Cross References
This verse connects thematically to 94:1-3 about removing the Prophet's burden and raising his mention. It parallels 2:152's promise that Allah remembers those who remember Him. The concept appears in 65:2-3 about Allah providing solutions for those who fear Him. These connections establish a pattern of divine reassurance following difficulty, showing that apparent abandonment often precedes greater blessing and that Allah's timing reflects perfect wisdom rather than indifference.
Conclusion
Surah Ad-Duha 93:3 establishes Allah's unwavering commitment to His beloved messenger and, by extension, to all faithful believers. The verse's revelation during a time of uncertainty demonstrates divine sensitivity to human fears and anxieties about abandonment. Through classical scholarship, we understand this as both historical comfort for the Prophet and timeless reassurance for believers facing spiritual challenges. The verse remains profoundly relevant, offering hope to anyone experiencing periods of apparent divine silence or questioning their spiritual standing.
Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.