Surah An-Nisa — Verse 46

Word Meanings:

• Yuḥarrifūn al-kalim ʿan mawāḍiʿih: They distort the words (of Allah) from their proper contexts and meanings.
• Samʿnā wa ʿaṣaynā: "We hear and we disobey" — a phrase of defiance.
• Ismaʿ ghayra musmaʿ: "Hear, may you not be heard" — a mockery and a prayer against the Prophet (peace be upon him).
• Rāʿinā: Literally "take care of us" or "listen to us," but they twisted it to imply foolishness (ruʿūnah) as an insult.
• Layyan bi-alsinatihim: Twisting their tongues (with ambiguous wording) to conceal their true malicious intent.
• Wa ẓaʿnan fī al-dīn: Stabbing at and attacking the religion (Islam).
• Unẓurnā: "Look at us" or "wait for us" — a respectful way of asking for attention.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Among the Jews of Madinah there was a group of wicked people who had made it their habit to tamper with the Words of Allah, twisting them from their true meanings and attributing falsehood to Him. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) called them to the truth, they would insolently reply, "We hear your words, but we disobey your command." They would then add mockingly, "Hear — may you never be heard!" — a spiteful prayer against him. And when they wanted to speak to him, they would say "Rāʿinā," which in Arabic could mean "listen to us," but they would twist their tongues and secretly intend the insult of "foolishness" (ruʿūnah), thereby ridiculing the Prophet and attacking the religion of Islam with their disguised words.

How beautiful and noble would it have been if they had instead said, "We hear and we obey," and "Hear us," and "Look upon us with kindness and wait for us" — words of respect and humility befitting the station of a Prophet. Such speech would have been far better for them in this life and the next, and more upright and just in the sight of Allah. But because of their persistent disbelief and their rejection of the Prophet's message, Allah cast them far from His mercy. Thus, they do not truly believe — except for a very few among them, like ʿAbdullah ibn Salām and his companions, who embraced the truth and were saved.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, see how the enemies of truth spare no effort in twisting words and using language as a weapon to attack the light of guidance. Yet Allah, in His perfect wisdom, exposed their schemes and taught us the etiquette of speech — that our words should be pure, honest, and free from deception. This verse is a timeless lesson for every believer: guard your tongue, be sincere in your speech, and never use words to mock or harm others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was patient in the face of such insults, and Allah defended him and elevated his rank. Let us follow his noble example, for Allah loves those who speak the truth with kindness and who respond to hostility with patience and dignity. Indeed, the Qur'an is a living miracle — it not only guides hearts but also protects the honor of the righteous and exposes the plots of the wicked. Embrace it, and you will find peace in this life and salvation in the next.