Surah Al-Baqarah (2:170)

وَاِذَا قِيۡلَ لَهُمُ اتَّبِعُوۡا مَآ اَنۡزَلَ اللّٰهُ قَالُوۡا بَلۡ نَـتَّبِعُ مَآ اَلۡفَيۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ اٰبَآءَنَا ؕ اَوَلَوۡ كَانَ اٰبَآؤُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُوۡنَ شَيۡـًٔـا وَّلَا يَهۡتَدُوۡنَ‏ ۝

Wa-itha qeela lahumu ittabiAAoo maanzala Allahu qaloo bal nattabiAAu ma alfaynaAAalayhi abaana awa law kana abaohumla yaAAqiloona shay-an wala yahtadoon

And when it is said to them, "Follow what Allāh has revealed," they say, "Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing." Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

Tadabbur (Reflection)

Theme of the Ayat

The Blinding Power of Tradition: Following ancestors over revelation.

The Insight

When urged to follow revelation, they refuse, claiming they only follow the traditions they inherited from their forefathers, even if their forefathers lacked intellect and guidance. Critique inherited beliefs. Do not let cultural or familial traditions trump clear divine law. All inherited practices must be weighed against the wisdom of revelation.