إِذْ يَقُولُ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمْ ۗ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ 49
Translations
[Remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was disease [i.e., arrogance and disbelief] said, "Their religion has deluded those [Muslims]." But whoever relies upon Allāh - then indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Transliteration
Idh yaqool al-munafiqoon wa-alladheen fee quloobihim marad gharr ha'ula'i deenuhum wa-man yatawakkal 'ala-Allah fa-inn Allah 'aziz hakeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts during the Battle of Badr, who mocked the believers by saying their religion had deceived them into thinking they could win against the Quraysh's superior numbers and resources. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah responds by affirming that whoever places their trust in Allah will find Him mighty and wise in His decisions, assuring the believers that numerical or material superiority is insignificant compared to divine support. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this verse highlights the contrast between the faithlessness of the hypocrites and the unwavering reliance of true believers on Allah's promise and power.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period, specifically in the context of the Battle of Badr (2 AH), where some of the Ansar's hypocritical members expressed doubt about the believers' chances against the well-armed Meccan caravan. The broader surah discusses the distribution of war spoils and lessons from this pivotal battle, emphasizing divine assistance and the importance of sincerity in faith.
Related Hadiths
The hadith from Sahih Bukhari (3:173) records that during Badr, when the believers saw the Quraysh's numbers, some said 'This number will surely defeat us today,' but the Prophet (ﷺ) responded with unwavering trust in Allah's promise. Additionally, the principle of tawakkul (reliance on Allah) is emphasized in numerous hadiths, such as the one in Tirmidhi where the Prophet said 'Trust in Allah as is His due.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True believers should never allow apparent worldly disadvantages or the mockery of doubters to shake their faith in Allah's plan; instead, complete trust in Allah's wisdom and power is the surest path to victory and success, whether in spiritual or material struggles.
Related Ayahs
لَّوْلَا كِتَـٰبٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ سَبَقَ لَمَسَّكُمْ فِيمَآ أَخَذْتُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ
If not for a decree from Allāh that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment.
۞ إِنَّ شَرَّ ٱلدَّوَآبِّ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصُّمُّ ٱلْبُكْمُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ
Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allāh are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason [i.e., the disbelievers].
وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَإِنِّى جَارٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَرَآءَتِ ٱلْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ ٱللَّهَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allāh. And Allāh is severe in penalty."
وَمَن يُوَلِّهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ دُبُرَهُۥٓ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفًا لِّقِتَالٍ أَوْ مُتَحَيِّزًا إِلَىٰ فِئَةٍ فَقَدْ بَآءَ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allāh, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination.