Surah Hud — Verse 35

Word Meanings:

• Afṭarāhu (افتراه): Fabricated it, invented it, or falsely attributed it to God.
• Ijrāmī (إجرامي): My sin, my crime, or the consequence of my wrongdoing.
• Tujrimūn (تجرِمون): Your sinful acts, your crimes, specifically your disbelief and denial.

Tafsir (Explanation):

After Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) delivered the message of monotheism and warned his people of a painful punishment, his people—who were steeped in arrogance and disbelief—began to accuse him of a grave falsehood. They claimed that he had fabricated this message and invented the warning of punishment to intimidate them and gain power over them.

In response, Allah commanded His Prophet Nuh to address their accusation with clarity and dignity. He was told to say: "If I had indeed fabricated this message and falsely attributed it to Allah, then the sin of that fabrication would be upon me alone. I would bear its full consequence, and you would be free of any blame for it. But since I am truthful and have delivered only what Allah revealed to me, then the crime and sin lie entirely with you—your disbelief, your denial, and your persistent rejection of the truth. I am completely innocent of your sinful conduct and your crimes."

This verse also carries a profound lesson for the believers: the one who speaks the truth bears no responsibility for the rejection of others. Each soul carries its own burden. The Prophet is innocent of the sins of his people, just as every truthful caller to Allah is innocent of the disbelief of those who turn away.

Some scholars have noted that this verse also serves as a powerful response to those who accused Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of fabricating the Quran. Just as Nuh was cleared of the accusations of his people, Muhammad was likewise innocent of such claims. The message is clear: if the Quran were fabricated, its maker would bear the sin—but the Quran is the undeniable truth from Allah, and those who reject it bear their own guilt.

A Call to Reflection:

This verse invites every soul to self-accountability. It teaches us that we cannot shift blame onto others for our own choices. The disbelievers of Nuh's time tried to discredit the messenger instead of examining the message. Today, many still do the same—they attack the carrier of truth rather than confronting the truth itself.

Dear reader, let this verse be a mirror for your heart. If you find yourself among those who reject the truth, know that your rejection does not harm the truth or its bearers—it only burdens your own soul. But if you accept the truth with sincerity, you will find peace in this life and success in the next. The messengers were innocent of the crimes of their nations, and they will be witnesses against them on the Day of Judgment. Choose today to be among those who listen to the truth and follow the best of it, for Allah loves those who seek guidance with an open heart.