Surah Al-Mu'minun — Verse 38

Word Meanings:

• Iftarā (افترى): To invent a lie, to fabricate falsehood, or to forge a statement and attribute it to someone else.
• Mu'minīn (مؤمنين): Believers; those who accept something as true and affirm it with conviction.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This is the response of the disbelieving chiefs of the Prophet's people, as they addressed their followers regarding the Messenger of Allah. They said: "This man who calls you to worship Allah alone and to believe in the Hereafter is nothing but a human being like yourselves—no angel, no supernatural being. He has merely fabricated a lie against Allah by claiming that Allah sent him as a messenger and that there will be a Day of Resurrection when people will be raised for judgment. And we will never believe him, nor accept a single word of what he says."

In these words, the disbelievers revealed the arrogance and stubbornness of their hearts. They rejected the truth not because of any proof against it, but simply because it came from a man they deemed ordinary, and because accepting it would require them to change their lives and abandon their idols and privileges. Yet, in their very statement lies a testimony to the Prophet's noble character—they did not accuse him of madness, sorcery, or dishonesty in worldly matters; rather, their only "objection" was that he was a human being delivering a divine message, and that they refused to believe in the resurrection.

A Da'wah Reflection:

How often do we reject the truth simply because it comes from someone we consider "ordinary"? The messengers of Allah were all human beings, and this is itself a mercy from Allah—so that we may follow their example and know that prophethood is not about supernatural status, but about sincerity, truthfulness, and unwavering submission to Allah. The disbelievers of old closed their hearts to guidance because of pride; let us not repeat their mistake. Open your heart to the truth wherever it comes from, for Allah has sent His guidance through the noblest of creation—human messengers—so that every one of us can strive to be among the believers who affirm the truth with certainty and act upon it with love. The message of Islam is not a burden; it is the key to eternal success, and the Prophet ﷺ is the most truthful of all creation. Will you not be among those who believe?