وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ أَنتُمْ قَلِيلٌ مُّسْتَضْعَفُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تَخَافُونَ أَن يَتَخَطَّفَكُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ فَـَٔاوَىٰكُمْ وَأَيَّدَكُم بِنَصْرِهِۦ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ 26
Translations
And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might abduct you, but He sheltered you, supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things - that you might be grateful.
Transliteration
Wa-dhkurū idh antum qalīlun mustudh'afūna fī al-ardh takhāfūna an yatakhattafakumu al-nāsu fa-āwāhkum wa-ayyada-kum bi-nasrihi wa-razaqakum mina al-tayyibāti la'allakum tashkurūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reminds the believers of their former weakness and vulnerability in Makkah, when they were few in number and oppressed, fearing abduction by the pagan Arabs. Allah recalls His favors upon them: He provided them refuge (in Madinah), strengthened them with His divine support, and granted them wholesome provision. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this is a call to gratitude and recognition that all their strength and security came from Allah's grace, not their own efforts, serving as motivation for obedience and thankfulness.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Madinah during the early Islamic period, this ayah contextualizes Surah Al-Anfal's discussion of the Battle of Badr and the division of war spoils. It reminds the Muslim community of their transformation from a persecuted minority in Makkah to an empowered community in Madinah, emphasizing that this transition was entirely through Allah's providence and intervention.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record that the Companions would recall their weakness during the Makkan period and how Allah transformed their condition. Relatedly, 'A'ishah narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'Whoever among you seeks wealth should seek it with obedience to Allah,' highlighting the connection between divine support and gratitude.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to remember their dependence on Allah during difficult times and to cultivate gratitude for blessings received. For modern Muslims, it reinforces that true strength and security come from faith and obedience to Allah, not material resources, and that remembering past struggles builds resilience and thankfulness in times of abundance.