Tafsir of Al-`Alaq 96:19

Surah Al-'Alaq (96): Verse 19

{كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ}

Then He said: {Kallā, la tuṭiʿhu} (No! Do not obey him).

This is a stern rebuke directed at Abu Jahl.

It is said that its meaning is: He will never attain what he boasts about—that he calls his council, and if he calls them, they will neither benefit nor support him. He is more despised and contemptible than to resist you.

Another possibility is: He will not achieve what he desires of your obedience to him when he forbade you from prayer.

It is also said that the meaning is: Be warned, do not obey him.

{لَا تُطِعْهُ}

{La tuṭiʿhu} (Do not obey him) is like His saying: {فَلَا تُطِعِ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ} (So do not obey the deniers).

{وَاسْجُدْ}

{W-asjud} (And prostrate).

According to most exegetes, this commands him to pray and to be diligent in worshipping God Almighty, both in action and in conveying the message. He should let his heart focus on this enemy, for God will strengthen and support him.

Some scholars say the meaning here is submission (khuḍūʿ). Others say it refers specifically to the act of prostration within the prayer itself.

{وَاقْتَرِبْ}

Then He said: {Waqtarib} (And draw near).

The intended meaning is: Seek closeness to your Lord through your prostration. There is a Hadith: "The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration."

Some scholars suggest the meaning is: Prostrate, O Muhammad, and draw near, O Abu Jahl, so that you may witness what the keepers of Hellfire will inflict upon you. It is as if God commanded him to prostrate to increase the disbeliever's rage, like His saying: {لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ} (to enrage the disbelievers by them).

The reason that intensifies the rage is that the disbelievers used to prevent him from standing up [in prayer]. Thus, his rage and anger will be most complete upon witnessing the prostration.

Then He said at that point: {Waqtarib} (And draw near) to him, O Abu Jahl, and place your foot upon him, for the man (the Prophet) is occupied in prostration, busy with himself. This is a form of mockery and contempt for his status.

And God, the Glorified and Exalted, knows best. May God bless our Master Muhammad and his family and companions.