And if you [people] deny [the message] - already nations before you have denied. And there is not upon the Messenger except [the duty of] clear notification.1129
Notes
[1129] Commentators have differed over this verse - whether it is a continuation of the words of Prophet Abraham or words of comfort given by Allāh to Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ), which according to context seems more likely.
Verse 18 of Surah Al-’Ankabut (29:18), a Meccan surah, is in juz 20, on page 398 of the mushaf. Read it in Arabic with its transliteration, translations and tafsir, and listen to it recited by 72 reciters.
Listen to verse 18 of Surah Al-’Ankabut
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Tafsir of verse 18
Al-Mukhtasar
O idolaters, if you deny what Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought, then nations before you also denied, such as the nation of Noah, and Aad and Thamud. It is only upon the Messenger to clearly convey, and he has conveyed what his Lord ordered him to convey to you.
If you reject [the message], so did many nations reject before you. The duty of the Messenger is only to deliver the message clearly5.”
Notes
[5] It is either the continuation of the words of Abraham or Allah’s words given as a comfort to the Prophet (ﷺ).
"And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (their Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly."
But if ye deny, then nations have denied before you. The messenger is only to convey (the message) plainly.
"And if ye reject (the Message), so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly)."
And if you reject (the truth), nations before you did indeed reject (the truth); and nothing is incumbent on the messenger but a plain delivering (of the message).
And in case you (i.e., the disbelievers) cry lies, then nations already cried lies even before you. And in no way is the Messenger's (duty) anything except the evident proclamation."
Say, "Obey Allāh and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification."
