Transliteration:( Yaa aiyuhan naasu qad jaaa'akum burhaanum mir Rabbikum wa anzalnaaa ilaikum Nooram Mubeena )
"O People! There has indeed come a manifest argument to you from Allah and We have sent down to you a manifest light."
The term “O People!” addresses all of humanity, irrespective of time, place, or ethnicity.
From this, we learn that the Prophethood of our Holy Prophet ﷺ is not restricted to a particular nation or era.
Just as Allah is the Lord of all, the Holy Prophet ﷺ is the Messenger for all.
"We have not sent you but as a mercy to all worlds." (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)
The phrase “a manifest argument” refers to the Holy Prophet ﷺ, who is:
The decisive proof of Allah’s existence and message
A personification of Divine Knowledge
A symbol of Truth, and
A living miracle in himself
Every limb and act of the Prophet ﷺ is miraculous, including:
His blessed saliva healing eyes and wounds
His touch curing broken bones
His blessings multiplying food and water
Thus, the Prophet ﷺ is the unshakable and living proof of Divine Truth, a clear sign that confirms the message of Allah.
The phrase “has come to you” emphasizes that this guidance has reached all. The Holy Prophet ﷺ is not merely a messenger; he is the conclusive proof sent for everyone’s benefit.
Rejecting him is rejecting the clearest evidence of Allah's Truth.
This “manifest light” refers to the Holy Quran – a guiding, radiant revelation.
However, the verse structure indicates that the coming of the Prophet ﷺ precedes the Quran, and belief in the Prophet ﷺ is foundational to accepting the Quran.
The Quran is Divine Light, but the first contact with Divine truth is through the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
The proof (Prophet ﷺ) is to be intellectually understood, and the light (Quran) is to be practically followed.
174. O mankind! Verily, there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord; and We sent down to you a manifest light. 175. So, as for those who believed in Allah and held fast to ﴿depend on﴾ Him, He will admit them to His mercy and grace (i.e. Paradise), and guide them to Himself by a straight path.
Allah informs all people that a plain, unequivocal proof has come to them from Him. One that eradicates all possibility of having an excuse, or falling prey to evil doubts. Allah said,
(and We sent down to you a manifest light.) that directs to the Truth. Ibn Jurayj and others said, “It is the Qur’an.”
(So, as for those who believed in Allah and held fast to ﴿depend on﴾ Him,) by worshipping Him and relying on Him for each and every thing. Ibn Jurayj said that this part of the Ayah means, “They believe in Allah and hold fast to the Qur’an.”
(He will admit them to His mercy and grace,) meaning, He will grant them His mercy and admit them into Paradise, and will increase and multiply their rewards and their ranks, as a favor and bounty from Him.
(and guide them to Himself by a straight path.) and a clear way that has no wickedness in it or deviation. This, indeed, is the description of the believers in this life and the Hereafter, as they are on the straight and safe path in matters of action and creed. In the Hereafter, they are on the straight path of Allah that leads to the gardens of Paradise.
(4:174) O men! A proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down unto you a clear light.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[237]- Showing the truth (i.e., the Qur’ān).
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