يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ 45
Translations
O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allāh much that you may be successful.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu idha laqitum fi'atan fathbitu wadhkuru Allaha kathiran la'allakum tuflihun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to stand firm and remain steadfast when they encounter an enemy force in battle, and to remember Allah abundantly, as this remembrance strengthens resolve and brings success. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that sabr (steadfastness) combined with dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are the dual pillars of victory—psychological fortitude through faith rather than reliance on numbers or military might alone.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Battle of Badr (2 AH), where the Muslims were vastly outnumbered by the Meccan forces. The surah addresses the believers' preparation for this decisive battle and provides guidance on maintaining spiritual resolve and unity when facing a more numerous enemy.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, Abu Bakr's counsel at Badr to remain firm illustrates the principle of sabr mentioned in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
True victory in life's struggles—whether physical, spiritual, or psychological—comes not from numbers or resources alone, but from unwavering steadfastness rooted in constant remembrance of Allah. This teaches believers that maintaining connection with the Divine through dhikr fortifies the heart and brings success in all righteous endeavors.
Related Ayahs
وَأَعِدُّوا۟ لَهُم مَّا ٱسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن قُوَّةٍ وَمِن رِّبَاطِ ٱلْخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُونَ بِهِۦ عَدُوَّ ٱللَّهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ وَءَاخَرِينَ مِن دُونِهِمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُهُمْ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِن شَىْءٍ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ
And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allāh and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allāh knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allāh will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
ذَٰلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَأَنَّ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
"That [is yours], so taste it." And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.
وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ أَنتُمْ قَلِيلٌ مُّسْتَضْعَفُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تَخَافُونَ أَن يَتَخَطَّفَكُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ فَـَٔاوَىٰكُمْ وَأَيَّدَكُم بِنَصْرِهِۦ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
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.
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْأَنفَالِ ۖ قُلِ ٱلْأَنفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا۟ ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
They ask you, [O Muḥammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allāh and the Messenger." So fear Allāh and amend that which is between you and obey Allāh and His Messenger, if you should be believers.