Surah An-Naml — Verse 81

Word Meanings:

• الْعُمْيِ (al-ʿumyi): The blind — here referring to those whose hearts and spiritual insight are blinded, not necessarily their physical eyes.
• ضَلَالَتِهِمْ (ḍalālatihim): Their misguidance and error.
• تُسْمِعُ (tusmiʿu): To make someone hear — i.e., to make them understand and respond to the truth.
• مُسْلِمُونَ (muslimūn): Those who submit sincerely to Allah, obedient and yielding to His commands.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O Messenger, you are not the one who can guide the spiritually blind away from their misguidance. Just as a physically blind person cannot see the path before them, those whose hearts are sealed and whose inner vision is blinded cannot perceive the light of truth — no matter how clear the signs or eloquent the call. Do not grieve over them or exhaust yourself in sorrow for their rejection. Your role is to convey the message clearly; guidance is solely in the Hands of Allah.

You cannot make the deaf hear, nor can you make the blind see. The only ones who will truly respond to your call and benefit from your words are those who believe in Our verses — the Qur’an and the clear proofs — and who submit themselves sincerely to their Lord. These are the ones whose hearts are open, whose ears are attentive, and whose souls are ready to obey. They are the Muslims — the ones who yield to Allah’s commands with full submission and sincerity.

So take comfort, dear believer: your duty is not to force faith into hardened hearts, but to deliver the truth with wisdom and beauty. The reward of guidance belongs to Allah alone, and He has chosen you to be a mercy to humanity — a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. Those who respond with faith will find salvation, and those who turn away have only themselves to blame. Let this be a source of peace for your heart: you have fulfilled your mission, and Allah’s promise is true — the believers will surely triumph.