Tafsir of Ya seen 36:4

Surah Ya-Sin (36): Verse 4

Original Arabic Segment:

Translation:

Exegesis (Tafsir):

This phrase, "upon a straight path," functions as an additional predicate (khabar ba'da khabar) affirming that [the Prophet] is indeed upon a straight path.

The straight path (al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm) is the closest way leading to the destination (the goal). Religion is likewise: it is the orientation towards God Almighty and turning away from everything else. The destination is God, and the one oriented toward the destination is closer to Him than one who turns away from Him or deviates from Him.

No one should misunderstand that the statement, "Indeed, you are among them, upon a straight path," distinguishes him from others, just as one might say, "Indeed, Muhammad is chosen among the people." This is because all Messengers are upon the straight path. Rather, the intent here is to clarify that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is upon that very straight path upon which the Messengers tread.

Furthermore, the statement, "upon a straight path," contains a subtle meaning that refutes the assertion of the Mubāḥiyyah (a group who claim that once a responsible person reaches the truth, obligation ceases for them).

This is understood because God clarifies that as long as the Messengers are in this world, they are travelers, sojourners, guided ones, and followers of the straight way. If this is the case for the Messengers, how much more so for an ignorant and incapable person?

Original Arabic Segment:

Translation:

Exegesis (Tafsir):

And His saying, the Exalted: "A revelation from the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful."