Surah Az-Zukhruf — Verse 89

Word Meanings:

• Fasfah (فَاصْفَحْ): Turn away, overlook, pardon, and forgive without reproach.
• Qul salām (وَقُلْ سَلَامٌ): Say "Peace" — a word of safety and parting that protects you from their harm.
• Fasawfa ya‘lamūn (فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ): They will soon come to know — a severe warning and threat of impending punishment.

Explanation of the Verse:

O Messenger, turn away from these obstinate disbelievers and overlook their insults, mockery, and harm. Do not respond to their foolishness with harshness or revenge. Instead, say to them "Peace" — a word of safety and farewell that shields you from their evil and keeps your dignity intact. This command was given in Makkah when the Prophet ﷺ was instructed to pardon and show forbearance, leaving their reckoning to Allah. They will soon know the terrible consequences of their disbelief and arrogance — the punishment and humiliation that await them in this life and the Hereafter. This is a solemn threat and a grave warning to them and to all who follow their path.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us the noble character of the believer: even when faced with hostility and ignorance, we respond with grace, forgiveness, and peace. Islam does not call us to aggression or retaliation; it calls us to patience, dignity, and trust in Allah’s justice. When you forgive those who wrong you and leave their fate to Allah, you free your heart from bitterness and elevate your soul to a station beloved to Allah. The disbelievers may think their mockery goes unanswered, but Allah sees all, and His justice is certain. So hold firm to your faith, spread peace, and let your character be a living proof of Islam’s beauty — for the One who sees all will never abandon His righteous servants.