لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَنزَلْنَا ٱلْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُۥ وَرُسُلَهُۥ بِٱلْغَيْبِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ 25
Translations
We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people, and so that Allāh may make evident those who support Him and His messengers unseen. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
Transliteration
Laqad arsalnā rusulnā bil-bayyināti wa anzalnā ma'ahum al-kitāb wa'l-mīzān liyaqūm an-nāsu bil-qisṭ. Wa anzalnā al-ḥadīd fīhi ba'sun shadīd wa manāfi'u lin-nās wa liya'lam Allāh man yanṣuruhu wa rusulahu bil-ghayb. Inna Allāha qawiyyun 'azīz.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that Allah sent all messengers with clear proofs (al-bayyinaat), revealed scriptures, and the balance (justice) so that people would establish justice and equity among themselves. The mention of iron—possessing both destructive might and beneficial uses—symbolizes that Allah tests mankind to reveal who truly supports His cause in the unseen, demonstrating His absolute power and might. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that iron represents both the means of establishing justice through strength and the test of human character in how such power is wielded.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hadid is Medinan, revealed after the establishment of the Islamic state. This ayah reflects the Medinan period's emphasis on building a just society and the practical realities of establishing justice, which sometimes requires force. The mention of iron may reference the Battle of Uhud or generally address the necessity of military strength in protecting the Islamic community and its message.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), relating to the application of justice in personal affairs. Additionally, the hadith 'Verily, Allah is with those who do good' (An-Nasa'i) connects to the theme of divine support for those who uphold justice.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that establishing justice requires both moral principles (the Book and Balance) and practical means (strength/iron), and that true support of Allah's cause—whether in faith, justice, or defense—is ultimately recognized only by Allah who knows all secrets. For modern readers, it emphasizes that justice is not merely theoretical but requires both ethical frameworks and the courage to implement and defend them.