Surah An-Nisa — Verse 64

Word Meanings:

• Li-yutā'a (to be obeyed): Meaning that the Messenger is sent so that his commands are followed and his prohibitions are avoided.
• Bi-idhni Allah (by Allah's permission): Meaning by Allah's will, decree, and facilitation.
• Zalamū anfusahum (they wronged themselves): They harmed themselves by committing sins and transgressions.
• Tawwāban (Oft-Returning): The One Who repeatedly accepts repentance and forgives His servants.
• Raḥīman (Most Merciful): The One Who showers His mercy upon His creation.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah, the Exalted, informs us in this noble verse that He did not send any Messenger — from Adam to the final Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) — except for a single, profound purpose: that he be obeyed. The obedience of the Messenger is, in essence, obedience to Allah Himself, for the Messenger does not speak from his own desire; rather, he conveys what Allah has commanded. This obedience is made possible only by Allah's will and His divine facilitation — no one can truly obey except by His grace.

Then Allah addresses a beautiful and heart-touching reality: if those who have wronged themselves — by falling into sin, by turning away from the truth, or by following their desires instead of the divine guidance — were to come to the Prophet (peace be upon him) during his lifetime, acknowledging their faults, feeling genuine remorse, and sincerely seeking Allah's forgiveness, and if the Prophet were to pray for their forgiveness, they would most certainly find Allah to be Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. He would accept their repentance, erase their sins, and welcome them back with His boundless mercy.

This verse carries a timeless lesson for every believer: the door of repentance is never closed, and Allah's mercy is far greater than our sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is no longer physically present among us, but his Sunnah remains, and Allah's mercy remains ever accessible. We are encouraged to turn to Allah directly, with sincere hearts, seeking His forgiveness — for He is the One Who loves to forgive, and He never turns away a repentant servant.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, reflect on the immense mercy of your Lord! He sent messengers not to burden you, but to guide you to success in this life and the next. When you slip and fall, do not despair — for your Lord's mercy encompasses everything. Turn to Him with a broken heart, seek His forgiveness, and follow the guidance of His Messenger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if you did not commit sins, Allah would sweep you out of existence and replace you with a people who would commit sins and seek Allah's forgiveness, and He would forgive them" (Sahih Muslim). This is the beauty of Islam — a religion of hope, mercy, and endless opportunities for renewal. Seize this moment, and let your heart find peace in the embrace of your Most Merciful Lord.