وَإِن طَآئِفَتَانِ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱقْتَتَلُوا۟ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَهُمَا ۖ فَإِنۢ بَغَتْ إِحْدَىٰهُمَا عَلَى ٱلْأُخْرَىٰ فَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلَّتِى تَبْغِى حَتَّىٰ تَفِىٓءَ إِلَىٰٓ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَإِن فَآءَتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَهُمَا بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوٓا۟ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ 9
Translations
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allāh. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.
Transliteration
Wa-in ta'ifatani mina al-mu'minina iqtatalū fa-aslihū baynahumā, fa-in baghtat ihdāhumā 'ala al-ukhrā fa-qātilū allati taghshā hattā tafi'a ilā amri Allāh, fa-in fā'at fa-aslihū baynahumā bi-al-'adl wa-aqsitū, inna Allāha yuhibbu al-muqsitīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses conflict resolution among believers, establishing a three-stage principle: first, reconciliation should be attempted between disputing groups; second, if one group transgresses against the other, the Muslim community must fight the aggressor until they submit to God's law; and third, once submission occurs, just reconciliation must be established. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah demonstrates Islam's balanced approach to justice, combining mercy with the necessity of restraining oppression, and that Allah loves those who act with equity.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period when the Muslim community was establishing governance structures. This ayah was revealed in the context of disputes that arose between groups of believers in Medina, particularly addressing the need for communal responsibility in resolving internal conflicts and preventing aggression. The surah Al-Hujurat (The Rooms) overall addresses etiquette and conduct within the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever reconciles between two people and removes hatred, Allah will admit them to Paradise.' Additionally, Abu Dawud reports a hadith emphasizing that 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' relating to the importance of maintaining justice and reconciliation in disputes.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Muslims have a collective responsibility to intervene in disputes with wisdom and justice, first seeking peaceful resolution, but also standing against aggression with firmness until justice is restored. It exemplifies Islamic governance: valuing peace and reconciliation while maintaining the moral courage to confront wrongdoing and oppression with strength guided by divine principles.