حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوْا۟ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَضْعَفُ نَاصِرًا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدًا 24
Translations
[The disbelievers continue] until, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who is weaker in helpers and less in number.
Transliteration
Hatta idha raaw ma yuwadun faasayalman man adhaafa nasiran wa aqallu adadan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Day of Judgment when all creation will witness the fulfillment of Allah's promises. The disbelievers and polytheists will come to know on that Day who possessed the weakest helper and smallest number—referring to the believers who were few and seemingly powerless in this world, yet possessed the greatest support from Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a stark reminder that worldly strength and numbers are meaningless compared to divine aid, and that the believers' apparent weakness in Mecca would be vindicated when they witnessed the final triumph of truth over falsehood.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Jinn is a Meccan surah revealed during a period when the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions faced persecution and ridicule from the Quraysh, who vastly outnumbered them. This ayah provides solace to the early Muslim community by assuring them that despite their small numbers and apparent weakness, they would ultimately witness Allah's judgment against their oppressors.
Related Hadiths
The theme of believers being few yet victorious relates to hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said believers would be like salt in food—few in number but essential in impact. Additionally, Surah Al-Fatiha's recitation emphasizes seeking the straight path of those blessed by Allah, connecting to the guarantee of divine support mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true strength lies in divine support rather than worldly numbers or resources; believers should never feel despair at being outnumbered or facing opposition, as Allah's judgment will ultimately reveal who possessed the greatest help and will be vindicated in the Hereafter.