وَإِذْ يَمْكُرُ بِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِيُثْبِتُوكَ أَوْ يَقْتُلُوكَ أَوْ يُخْرِجُوكَ ۚ وَيَمْكُرُونَ وَيَمْكُرُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَـٰكِرِينَ 30
Translations
And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allāh plans. And Allāh is the best of planners.
Transliteration
Wa-idh yamkuru bika alladhina kafaroo liyuthbitooaka aw yaqtulooaka aw yukhrijooka wa-yamkuroon wa-yamkuru Allahu wa-Allahu khayru al-makireeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Meccan disbelievers' conspiracy against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), wherein they plotted to imprison, kill, or exile him. The ayah emphasizes that while the disbelievers schemed, Allah was also planning, and His plan is superior to all human machinations. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that 'makr' (plotting/scheming) attributed to Allah refers to His perfect strategy and wisdom in outwitting the plans of His enemies, demonstrating His divine sovereignty and protection of His Messenger.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anfal, a Medinan surah revealed after the Battle of Badr. The ayah specifically references the historical opposition the Prophet faced in Mecca from the Quraysh, who indeed plotted against him through various means until he emigrated to Medina. It provides perspective on how Allah's divine plan ultimately prevailed over the machinations of those who opposed His Messenger.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3610) reports that the Prophet's companions guarded him during the night of the Hijra (emigration), demonstrating the real danger of the plots mentioned. Additionally, Muslim reports hadiths about the Quraysh's specific plans to kill the Prophet, including their placement of guards around his house, which Allah foiled through the Hijra.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite facing grave dangers and conspiracies from powerful adversaries, the believer can find solace in knowing that Allah's plan is ultimately superior and will prevail. This ayah teaches resilience and trust in Allah's divine wisdom, encouraging Muslims to rely on Him when facing opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Related Ayahs
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًا نِّعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ ۙ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
That is because Allāh would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّمَن فِىٓ أَيْدِيكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَسْرَىٰٓ إِن يَعْلَمِ ٱللَّهُ فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ خَيْرًا يُؤْتِكُمْ خَيْرًا مِّمَّآ أُخِذَ مِنكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, "If Allāh knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful."
فَلَمْ تَقْتُلُوهُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ ۚ وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَمَىٰ ۚ وَلِيُبْلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْهُ بَلَآءً حَسَنًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And you did not kill them, but it was Allāh who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muḥammad], when you threw, but it was Allāh who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.
۞ وَإِن جَنَحُوا۟ لِلسَّلْمِ فَٱجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allāh. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.