ٱلشَّهْرُ ٱلْحَرَامُ بِٱلشَّهْرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ وَٱلْحُرُمَـٰتُ قِصَاصٌ ۚ فَمَنِ ٱعْتَدَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فَٱعْتَدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِ بِمِثْلِ مَا ٱعْتَدَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ 194
Translations
[Battle in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is with those who fear Him.
Transliteration
Ash-shahru al-haramu bi-ash-shahri al-harami wa-al-hurmatu qisasun. Fa-mani-ictada alaikum fa-ictadu alaihi bi-mithli ma-ictada alaikum. Wa-ttaqu Allah wa-alammu anna-Allah maa al-muttaqin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah permits Muslims to respond to aggression in kind, establishing the principle of proportionate retaliation (qisas) during the sacred months—just as the Quraysh violated the sanctity of these months, Muslims are permitted to defend themselves accordingly. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse legitimizes self-defense within the bounds of proportionality, and the concluding command to fear Allah ensures that retaliation remains measured and does not exceed the original transgression. The verse balances justice with mercy by reminding believers that Allah is with those who are mindful of Him, discouraging excessive revenge.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period addressing the early Muslim community's right to defend themselves against Qurayshi aggression. It comes in the context of explaining the sanctity of the sacred months (Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab), after the Quraysh had violated these months by attacking Muslims. The broader context of Surah Al-Baqarah establishes foundational Islamic law and principles for the emerging Muslim state.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (1864): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'The best form of jihad is a just word before a tyrannical ruler.' Additionally, Sunan Abu Dawud (2642) relates guidance on proportionate response in self-defense, reflecting the principle established in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that defending oneself against aggression is permissible and just, but always within limits of proportionality and with consciousness of Allah's presence. In modern contexts, this principle reminds believers to stand against injustice while maintaining ethical restraint and moral accountability before God.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتْهُ ٱلْعِزَّةُ بِٱلْإِثْمِ ۚ فَحَسْبُهُۥ جَهَنَّمُ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ ٱلْمِهَادُ
And when it is said to him, "Fear Allāh," pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.
يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتِىَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَوْفُوا۟ بِعَهْدِىٓ أُوفِ بِعَهْدِكُمْ وَإِيَّـٰىَ فَٱرْهَبُونِ
O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and fulfill My covenant [upon you] that I will fulfill your covenant [from Me], and be afraid of [only] Me.
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى جَاعِلٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And [mention, O Muḥammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we exalt You with praise and declare Your perfection?" He [Allāh] said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَكَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally."