Juz 7: Al-Māʾidah 82 to Al-Anʿām 110
Section 13 of 17 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
14. Dealing with Those Who Mock Divine Signs
Allah (swt) provides guidance in Surah Al-An'am about how believers should conduct themselves when confronted with those who mock and ridicule divine revelations. This guidance carries significant psychological and spiritual wisdom for maintaining one's faith in hostile environments.
In verse 68, Allah (swt) commands:
وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ الَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ ۚ وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ الشَّيْطَانُ فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ الذِّكْرَىٰ مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
“When you see those who indulge in (blasphemous) talk about Our verses, turn away from them until they enter into some other discourse. And if Satan causes you to forget, then do not sit, after recollection, with the unjust people.”
This verse provides a clear protocol for believers when faced with those who mock or speak irreverently about Allah's revelations. The instruction is straightforward—disengage from such company until they change the subject. This guidance protects the believer from being influenced by negative discourse that could weaken faith or lead to inappropriate participation in disrespectful conversations.
The wisdom in this approach is multifaceted. First, it prevents escalation that might come from heated arguments over sacred matters. Second, it preserves the dignity of divine revelations by not allowing them to become subjects of mockery. Third, it protects the believer's heart from being affected by persistent exposure to disrespect of what they hold sacred.
The verse also acknowledges human weakness—a believer might occasionally forget this instruction due to Satan's influence. In such cases, once they remember, they should immediately remove themselves from that gathering. This acknowledgment of human fallibility coupled with the clear directive for correction demonstrates the practicality of divine guidance.
Allah (swt) continues in verse 69 by clarifying that righteous believers are not responsible for the actions of those who mock:
وَمَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ مِنْ حِسَابِ.
“Those who fear Allah are not responsible for any (evil) act in the account of these (infidels), except for advising them, so that they may be careful.” (6:69)