وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا ٱلْقِبْلَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنتَ عَلَيْهَآ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَـٰنَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 143
Translations
And thus We have made you a median [i.e., just] community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allāh has guided. And never would Allāh have caused you to lose your faith [i.e., your previous prayers]. Indeed Allāh is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.
Transliteration
Wa-kadhalika ja'alnakum ummatan wasatan li-takunu shahada'a 'ala al-nasi wa-yakunu al-rasulu 'alaykum shahidan. Wa-ma ja'alna al-qiblata allatee kunta 'alayha illa li-na'lama man yattabi'u al-rasulu mimman yanqalibu 'ala 'aqibayhi. Wa-in kanat la-kabirati illa 'ala alladhina hada Allah. Wa-ma kana Allah li-yudyi'a imanakum. Inna Allah bi-al-nasi la-ra'ufun rahimun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the Muslim ummah as the 'middle nation' (ummatan wasatan)—balanced, just, and righteous—chosen to bear witness to humanity and the Prophet Muhammad as their witness before Allah. The verse then addresses the change of qiblah from Jerusalem to Mecca, explaining that this test revealed the true believers from the hypocrites, while assuring believers that Allah would not waste their previous prayers or faith. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that 'wasatan' signifies moral moderation and uprightness, while Al-Tabari notes the qiblah change served as a divine trial to distinguish sincere followers from those who would apostatize.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed during the Medinan period after the qiblah was changed from Jerusalem (al-Masjid al-Aqsa) to Mecca (the Kaaba) in the second year of Hijrah. Some Muslims were distressed by this change, particularly regarding prayers already performed toward Jerusalem. The verse provides divine reassurance and contextualizes this change as a test of genuine faith, while simultaneously conferring honor upon the Muslim community as witnesses to humanity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of nations is the nation of Muhammad' (Tirmidhi, authenticated). Also related is the hadith: 'You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind' (referencing 3:110), indicating the special status of this ummah as witnesses and exemplars.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are entrusted with a sacred duty to be just witnesses to humanity and exemplars of moral balance—a responsibility requiring constant self-reflection and integrity. Divine tests, while challenging, are expressions of Allah's wisdom and mercy, designed to purify faith and distinguish sincere believers; therefore, believers should respond to trials with steadfast faith, knowing Allah wastes no righteous deed and is eternally Merciful.