Transliteration:( Wa maa yattabi'u aksaruhum illaa zannaa; innaz zanna laa yughnee minal haqqi shai'aa; innal laaha 'Aleemun bimaa yaf'aloon )
"And most of them follow only conjecture [107]. Surely, conjecture avails nothing against the truth [108]. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do [109]."
The verse highlights that the polytheists follow conjecture, as they have no solid proof to support their idol worship. Their beliefs are based on the practices of their forefathers, not on any truth or revelation. This reflects that many disbelievers inherit their religion from previous generations without critically examining its validity. However, some polytheists were aware of the truth of Islam but chose not to embrace it due to fear of losing their social status or material gain. Thus, the use of "most" indicates that while many followed falsehood, some understood the truth but chose not to act on it.
Conjecture, when it opposes the commands of the Prophet or the Divine Revelation, leads to misguidance. It is unreliable and misguided. However, conjecture in alignment with religious teachings is the true guidance, as it is grounded in Divine wisdom. The verse refers to the importance of thinking and acting in accordance with the commands of Allah and His Prophets, as only this leads to spiritual success and salvation. S24:V12 reminds us that when we hear the truth, we should reflect on it positively and with certainty, not with baseless conjecture.
Belief should not be based on mere conjecture or assumptions. The verse condemns those who base their faith on guesses and unfounded beliefs instead of the certainty that comes from Divine Revelation. Issues regarding beliefs should be grounded in certainty derived from Allah’s guidance, not from uncertain or illogical assumptions. Allah is fully aware of the actions and beliefs of individuals, and nothing is hidden from Him.
The tafsir of Surah Yunus verse 36 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Yunus ayat 34 which provides the complete commentary from verse 34 through 36.
(10:36) Most of them only follow conjectures;[44] and surely conjecture can be no substitute for truth. Allah is well aware of whatever they do.
44. It means that neither the authors of religion, nor philosophers, nor law makers based their opinions on knowledge but on mere guesswork and conjecture. Likewise, those who followed these religious or worldly leaders did it on the mere assumption that their authors were great people; therefore they must be right. That was why their forefathers and the common people followed them.
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