Transliteration:( In tahris 'alaa hudaahum fa innal laaha laa yahdee mai yudillu wa maa lahum min naasireen )
"If you are eager for their guidance [81], then indeed Allah does not guide those whom He causes to stray [82], and they have no helpers [83]."
The Holy Prophet ﷺ was fully aware that not all the disbelievers would accept Islam. He had even foretold that some among them would be the inhabitants of Hell. Despite this foreknowledge, his desire and heartfelt effort was always that everyone should embrace the faith. He would be deeply saddened by those who rejected the message.
This verse was revealed to comfort the Prophet ﷺ in such moments of grief. Mentioning the Prophet’s eagerness and concern is in fact a testimony to his nobility, mercy, and the embodiment of being "a mercy to the worlds." His concern for guidance was a virtue and part of his prophetic propagation—for which he was rewarded.
To interpret this verse as indicating any lack of knowledge or limitation in the Holy Prophet ﷺ is a grave misjudgment. Rather, it affirms his excellence and grace, as he continually sought the salvation of even the worst rejecters.
This part clarifies that the Prophet ﷺ is not held accountable for the faith of those who are destined—by their own choice and Allah’s knowledge—to remain disbelievers.
It’s not that Allah created them helplessly as heretics, but that their free will and eventual heresy are already known to Allah. Thus, misguidance occurs by Divine wisdom, not compulsion. Man remains a voluntary agent, accountable for his own belief or disbelief, though Allah’s permission and knowledge encompass all things.
Those who reject faith will find no one to assist them, in this world or the next. In contrast, believers will always have divine aid, support from the angels, righteous company, and ultimately the mercy of Allah.
This portion of the verse is not a criticism of the Prophet ﷺ—it is in fact a subtle praise. It is as though a master tells his most promising student: “Even if you’re eager to teach others more, I won’t give them more knowledge, because they don’t deserve it.” Such a statement reflects the teacher’s affection and special regard for the keen student, not a flaw.
The tafsir of Surah An-Nahl verse 37 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Nahl ayat 35 which provides the complete commentary from verse 35 through 37.
(16:37) (O Muhammad), howsoever eager you may be to show them the Right Way, Allah does not bestow His guidance on those whom He lets go astray; and in fact none will be able to help them.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[699]- As a result of their choice to reject guidance.
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