Surah 'Abasa — Verse 6

Word Meanings:

• تَصَدَّى: To turn towards someone, to pay attention to them, to receive them warmly and engage with them.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a gentle yet firm manner, highlighting a contrast in his interaction with different types of people. The verse refers to the wealthy and self-sufficient individuals who showed no interest in the message of Islam, yet the Prophet would still turn towards them, give them his full attention, and eagerly engage with them in the hope that they might embrace the truth.

The context of this verse is a well-known incident where the Prophet was deeply engaged in conversation with some influential leaders of Quraysh, hoping to win them over to Islam. During this moment, a blind companion, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (may Allah be pleased with him), approached seeking to learn from the Prophet. The Prophet, preoccupied with the leaders, frowned and turned away from the blind man. This verse gently corrects this approach, pointing out that the Prophet was going out of his way to attend to those who were self-sufficient and unconcerned with guidance, while neglecting the sincere seeker of truth.

The verse serves as a profound lesson in prioritization and sincerity in da'wah (calling to Allah). It teaches us that the measure of a person's worth is not their wealth, status, or influence, but their hunger for guidance and their sincerity in seeking the truth. The one who comes to you seeking light, regardless of their social standing, deserves your utmost care and attention.

A Da'wah Lesson for Every Muslim:

This verse is a timeless reminder for all who carry the message of Islam: never be dazzled by worldly status, and never neglect the humble seeker of knowledge. The most beloved of people to Allah are those who sincerely desire His guidance, no matter how simple or overlooked they may appear in society. When someone approaches you with a genuine question about Islam, or seeks to learn, treat them as your priority — for in their heart, they carry a treasure that many of the wealthy and powerful lack: the thirst for truth. Let us learn from this noble lesson and always be ready to welcome every sincere soul with open arms, for guiding one person to Allah is better than all the treasures of this world.