وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 250
Translations
And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."
Transliteration
Wa-lammā barazū li-Jālūta wa-junūdihi qālū Rabbanā afrigh ʿalaynā sabran wa-thabbit aqdāmanā wa-nṣurnā ʿalā al-qawm al-kāfirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the moment when the believers faced Goliath (Jalut) and his army in battle, and they turned to Allah with sincere supplication, asking Him to grant them patience, steady their feet, and grant them victory over the disbelievers. According to classical tafsirs like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this demonstrates the proper conduct of believers before engaging in struggle—turning to Allah in humility and seeking His aid through du'a (supplication) rather than relying solely on their own strength. The three-fold request (patience, steadfastness, and victory) reflects the comprehensive reliance upon Allah that leads to triumph.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Talut (Saul) and Dawud (David) in Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 246-251), a Medinan surah. The context illustrates how the Israelites prepared for battle against the tyrant Jalut (Goliath), serving as a historical example and moral lesson for the Muslim community in Madinah regarding faith, courage, and reliance upon Allah during trials and conflicts.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong person is the one who controls himself while in anger' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, Surah Al-Anfal 8:45 states a related principle: 'O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True strength lies not in military might alone, but in sincere reliance upon Allah, spiritual preparation through prayer, and maintaining steadfastness of heart and purpose. Muslims facing any struggle—whether spiritual, personal, or communal—should follow this example by seeking Allah's aid through patient supplication before and during hardship, trusting that He alone grants ultimate victory and success.