Surah As-Saffat — Verse 71

Word Meanings:

• ضَلَّ (ḍalla): Went astray, deviated from the path of truth and guidance.
• أَكْثَرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ (aktharu al-awwalīn): The majority of the earlier nations and peoples who came before.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) addresses His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with a comforting and reassuring message: "And verily, before them, most of the earlier peoples went astray."

This verse serves as a profound consolation to the Prophet ﷺ and to every believer who feels the weight of rejection and opposition. The meaning is clear: your people, O Messenger, are not the first to reject the truth, nor are they unique in their stubbornness. The majority of the nations that came before them—the peoples of Nuh, 'Ad, Thamud, and countless others—also strayed from the path of Allah. They turned away from their prophets, denied the signs of their Lord, and followed their own desires instead of divine guidance.

This is not a statement of despair, but rather a lesson in patience and perseverance. The Prophet ﷺ is being told: do not be disheartened by the rejection you face, for this is the way of those who came before. The truth has always been met with opposition from the majority, while the believers have always been few. Yet, in the end, it is the truth that prevails, and it is the believers who are victorious.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder deeply upon this verse. It teaches us a timeless truth: the path of guidance has never been the path of the majority. Throughout history, most people have followed their whims and desires, rejecting the messengers and their message. But does that make the truth any less true? Certainly not!

This verse invites us to be among the few who follow the truth, not the many who stray from it. It calls us to reflect: Do we follow the truth because it is the truth, or do we follow the crowd because it is the crowd? The Prophet ﷺ stood firm upon the truth even when the entire society around him opposed him. He did not waver, nor did he compromise. And Allah honored him with victory and success.

So, let this verse be a source of strength for you. If you find yourself standing alone upon the truth, know that you are in the company of the prophets and the righteous. Do not be swayed by the numbers of those who oppose you, for the majority of the earlier peoples went astray, and yet the truth remained. Be patient, be steadfast, and trust in Allah's promise. For the end is for the righteous, and the victory belongs to the believers.