The Quran

Preface

وَمِنهُمُ الَّذينَ يُؤذونَ النَّبِيَّ وَيَقولونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ ۚ قُل أُذُنُ خَيرٍ لَكُم يُؤمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَيُؤمِنُ لِلمُؤمِنينَ وَرَحمَةٌ لِلَّذينَ آمَنوا مِنكُم ۚ وَالَّذينَ يُؤذونَ رَسولَ اللَّهِ لَهُم عَذابٌ أَليمٌ

Yusuf Ali

Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, “He is (all) ear.”¹ Say, “He listens to what is best for you: he believes in God, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe.” But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.

The assonance of the Arabic words “yu'dhuna” and “udhun” is of course lost in the Translation. But the sense remains. Detractors of the Prophet said: “O! he listens to everybody !” 'Yes,” is the answer, “he listens for their good; he is a mere)' and a blessing to all men of Faith, but specially to you (who are addressed).” The general statement is emphasised for the particular people addressed.