Transliteration:( Wa lawit taba'al haqqu ahwaaa'ahum lafasadatis samaawaatu wal ardu wa man feehinnn; bal atainaahum bizikrihim fahum 'an zikrihim mu'ridoon )
"And had the truth followed [104] their desires, then necessarily; the heavens and the earth and whosoever is in them [105] would have been ruined. Nay, but We have brought them that thing in which there was fame for them [106], but they have turned their faces from their own prestige."
This verse emphasizes that truth is not dictated by human whims. If divine truth were subject to the selfish desires of people, it would lead to chaos and corruption in the entire universe.
However, some righteous individuals, like Hazrat Umar (رضي الله عنه), had their opinions aligned so closely with divine will that revelations confirmed their insights—such as the commandments regarding Hijab, prohibition of alcohol, and the designation of Maqām Ibrāhīm as a place of worship.
This teaches us the distinction between selfish desire (hawā) and faith-guided opinion (ra’y)—only the latter aligns with divine wisdom.
The desires of disbelievers promote polytheism, injustice, and rebellion. If such corrupt inclinations were made the basis of divine law, the entire cosmic order would break down, and punishment would be inevitable.
Allah sent them the Qur’an, which contained the source of their honour—both in this world and the Hereafter. If they had accepted it, they would have achieved spiritual prestige, leadership, and eternal success.
But instead, they turned away—rejecting their own potential glory and salvation, due to arrogance and heedlessness.
The tafsir of Surah Al-Muminun verse 71 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Muminun ayat 68 which provides the complete commentary from verse 68 through 75.
(23:71) Were the Truth to follow their desires, the order of the heavens and the earth and those who dwell in them would have been ruined.[68] Nay, the fact is that We have brought to them their own remembrance; and yet it is from their own remembrance that they are turning away.[69]
68. This brief sentence expresses a great reality which should be understood well. The foolish people in the world generally feel offended by a person who points out the truth to them. They do not like to hear and consider the truth because it goes against their desires and interests but the truth remains the truth and cannot be changed after one’s personal whims and wishes. Man is subject to the eternal and unalterable laws operating in the universe and has therefore to adjust his thinking, desires and conduct accordingly and should try to discover the truth and reality through experience, reasoning and observation. Only a foolish person can stick to and regard his personal whims, wishes and prejudices to be the reality and refuse to hear and consider any argument, however rational and scientific, simply because it goes against them.
69. Here the word zikr means.
(1) Mention of human nature and its demands. (2) Admonition. (3) Esteem, honor and fame.
In the light of these, the full meaning of the verse will be: Your rejection of the Quran is irrational, for it contains the mention of those things which develop the best in human nature. It is an admonition that will result in your own good and well being, and it will bring esteem and honour for you in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
[965]- Or "reminder."
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics