يُجَـٰدِلُونَكَ فِى ٱلْحَقِّ بَعْدَ مَا تَبَيَّنَ كَأَنَّمَا يُسَاقُونَ إِلَى ٱلْمَوْتِ وَهُمْ يَنظُرُونَ 6
Translations
Arguing with you concerning the truth after it had become clear, as if they were being driven toward death while they were looking on.
Transliteration
Yujādilūnaka fī al-ḥaqqi ba'da mā tabayyana ka-annama yusāqūn ilā al-mawti wa-hum yanẓurūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the disbelievers and hypocrites disputed with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) concerning the truth of Islam even after it had become clear to them, comparing their resistance to condemned criminals being led to their death while watching it approach. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this refers specifically to the disputations that occurred regarding the Battle of Badr and the permissibility of taking spoils of war, reflecting their stubborn denial despite evident signs. The simile emphasizes both the futility of their argument and their knowledge of truth combined with willful rejection.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period during Surah Al-Anfal, which addresses the events and rulings following the Battle of Badr (2 AH). The specific context involves disputes among the Muslims and hypocrites about the distribution of war spoils and the legitimacy of the battle itself. The ayah serves to characterize the argumentative stance of those who resisted Islamic truth despite its clarity.
Related Hadiths
The hadith narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah in Sahih Muslim describes how some people disputed with the Prophet about matters of the Deen despite clear evidences. Additionally, Surah Al-Anfal 8:5-6 is contextually related to hadiths about the reluctance of some companions regarding Badr, found in Sahih Bukhari and Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the Battle of Badr's circumstances.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that no amount of clear evidence will convince those who have hardened their hearts against truth, reminding believers not to be discouraged by the arguments of dissenters but to remain firm in conveying the message. It also serves as a warning against engaging in meaningless disputes about established truths, and encourages trust in Allah's wisdom regarding those who reject His signs.