Transliteration:( Qaala innamal 'ilmu indal laahi wa uballighukum maaa ursiltu bihee wa laakinneee araakum qawman tajhaloon )
He said: "The knowledge [66] thereof is only with Allah, and I only convey [67] to you what I have been sent with. But I see that you are totally ignorant [68] people."
This refers to matters such as the exact time of punishment or the Day of Judgement, which are among the hidden secrets known only to Allah Almighty. The Prophet is instructed not to reveal these because they fall under Divine discretion.
However, this restriction does not imply denial of the Prophet’s knowledge in general; it simply means such information is not to be disclosed unless permitted. Similar expressions occur elsewhere, like: "And Allah is sufficient as the Real Doer" (Surah An-Nisa, 4:132)—which doesn’t negate human agency but emphasizes Allah's authority.
The core mission of every Prophet is to convey the Divine message, not to reveal Divine secrets or dictate the timing of punishment. This verse emphasizes that guidance and warnings are the Prophet’s role, while execution of Divine decree belongs solely to Allah.
Instead of fearing Divine punishment, the people mockingly demanded it be hastened—a sign of their utter ignorance and arrogance. Even if someone appears intellectually capable, opposition to a Prophet is the height of ignorance, as it reflects spiritual blindness.
The tafsir of Surah Ahqaf verse 23 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Ahqaf ayat 21 which provides the complete commentary from verse 21 through 25.
(46:23) He replied: “Allah alone knows about this.[26] I only convey to you the Message that I have been sent with. But I see that you are an ignorant people.”[27]
26. That is, Allah alone knows as to when the torment will descend on you and for how long you will be granted respite.
27. That is, you are taking my warning as a joke in your ignorance and are demanding the torment for fun. You have no idea of how dreadful is God’s torment and how near at hand it might have approached because of your misdeeds.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics