فَاستَمسِك بِالَّذي أوحِيَ إِلَيكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلىٰ صِراطٍ مُستَقيمٍ
So hold fast to what has been revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight path.
EXEGESIS
The prefixed connective particle fa in fastamsik (so hold fast) is used to show that what follows is connected the previous events.
Istamsik (hold fast) comes from the root masaka which means to retain something whilst protecting it. When it is conjugated into form ten, resulting in istamsaka, as in this verse, it can carry multiple meanings. It may signify a struggle or effort to hold onto something; alternatively, it can convey a sense of emphasis or importance, indicating that one should hold fast to a particular thing, idea, or belief. In the context of this verse, since the Prophet was already adhering to the revelations bestowed upon him, istamsaka may be understood as a command for continuity.
The preposition ʿalā (on) indicates metaphorical elevation, implying mastery, as in the verse, Those are on guidance (ʿalā hudan) from their Lord (2:5). This serves as an affirmation for Prophet Muhammad (s) and a praise for him, stating that he did not deviate even a fraction from what Allah sent him with.
EXPOSITION
This verse can be seen as providing a logical outcome of all that has been previously mentioned. It builds upon the previously established notions that the Quran has been divinely revealed to the Prophet in accordance with God’s customary practice, and that the book bestowed upon him is a genuine source of guidance. Additionally, the Prophet is recognised as a clear messenger whose invitation will only be heeded by those who are mindful of God, while those who turn away from his message are influenced by their accompanying devils, and that God will inevitably punish the disbelievers.
The Prophet is commanded here to not worry about the defying polytheists. Rather, his duty is to hold fast to what has been revealed. In other places, he is commanded to be steadfast, just as you have been commanded – [you] and whoever has turned [to Allah] with you – and do not overstep the bounds (11:112), as well as focusing on proclaiming the divine message whilst ignoring the defiant polytheists, So proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists (15:94). Whilst the verse is directly addressing the Holy Prophet, this duty of being steadfast upon the divine message is one that applies to all believers. Nothing should cause them to waver from this path.
This verse can also be used to derive a general principle that one ought not to doubt in the truth of one’s own faith due to the refusal of others in accepting the truth. The rejection of the Prophet’s message by the polytheists should not be misconstrued as an indication of any deficiency or shortcoming in his guidance. Instead, this verse emphatically affirms the Prophet’s position on the straight path, leaving no room for doubt. By highlighting this point, the verse underscores that the polytheists’ refusal to embrace the message does not in any way diminish its inherent truth or the divinely ordained mission of the Holy Prophet. The declaration you are on a straight path has been interpreted by some exegetes to be an indication towards the infallibility of the Holy Prophet.
REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE
Some exegetes suggest that since the fate of the disbelievers is destruction (as per the previous two verses), their ploys and intimidation must be confronted by firmly adhering to the divine message.
[1] Raghib, p. 769.
[2] Tahqiq, 11/119.
[3] Ibn Ashur, 25/260.
[4] Ibn Ashur, 25/260.
[5] Mizan, 18/105.
[6] Atyab, 12/33.
[7] Qaraati, 8/458.
[8] Amthal, 16/61.
[9] Mudarrisi, 12/480.