Surah Hud, Ayah 88

October 3, 2025
قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا ۚ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ ۚ إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ ۚ وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ
He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him...? And I do not want to differ from you in that which I forbid you; I only want reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him I have relied, and to Him I return."
اس نے کہا، 'اے میری قوم! کیا تم نے سوچا ہے کہ اگر میں اپنے رب کی طرف سے واضح دلیل پر ہوں اور اس نے مجھے اپنی طرف سے اچھا رزق دیا ہے؟ اور میں نہیں چاہتا کہ تمہاری مخالفت کرتے ہوئے خود وہ کام کروں جس سے تمہیں روکتا ہوں۔ میں تو صرف اصلاح چاہتا ہوں جہاں تک میرا بس چلے۔ اور میری کامیابی صرف اللہ کے ذریعے ہے۔ اسی پر میں نے بھروسہ کیا ہے اور اسی کی طرف رجوع کرتا ہوں۔'

Reflection

This is Prophet Shu'ayb's response to his people's accusations, demonstrating the character of a true reformer. He explains that his mission is based on clear evidence from Allah, not personal gain, as Allah has already provided him with good sustenance. He emphasizes his sincerity by stating he doesn't practice what he forbids others from doing - showing consistency between his message and behavior. His goal is reform and improvement of society within his capacity. Most importantly, he acknowledges that success comes only through Allah, showing humility and reliance on divine help. This teaches that true reformers are motivated by divine guidance, not personal benefit; they practice what they preach; they work for societal improvement within their means; and they rely on Allah for success rather than their own abilities.

Context

This verse appears in Surah Hud, where Prophet Shu'ayb addresses his people's objections to his message. It demonstrates the character and approach of sincere reformers.