۞ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَجْعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَ ٱلَّذِينَ عَادَيْتُم مِّنْهُم مَّوَدَّةً ۚ وَٱللَّهُ قَدِيرٌ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 7
Translations
Perhaps Allāh will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allāh is competent, and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Asa Allahu an yajʿala baynakum wa bayna alladhina ʿadaytum minhum mawaddah. Wa-Allahu qadir. Wa-Allahu ghafurun rahimun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents hope that Allah may establish affection and love between the believers and those whom they have taken as enemies, emphasizing Allah's absolute power and His mercy in transforming hearts. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this verse was revealed in the context of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, encouraging believers to remain patient and hopeful that former enemies (particularly the Quraysh) might eventually embrace Islam and become allies. The verse teaches that no enmity is permanent when Allah wills reconciliation, and that transformation of hearts is within Allah's divine power alone.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina during the period of conflict between the Muslim community and the Quraysh. This particular verse speaks to the believers' experience of enmity and conflict with the pagan Arabs, offering hope that through Allah's will, even bitter enemies might become affectionate companions. The broader context of Surah Al-Mumtahanah deals with the testing of faith and proper conduct in relations with non-Muslims.
Related Hadiths
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (documented in Sahih Bukhari) illustrates the practical application of this verse—where apparent enemies eventually became allies. Additionally, a hadith in Tirmidhi states: 'The best among you are those who have the best manners and character,' relating to the development of affection through virtuous conduct.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to never lose hope in Allah's ability to transform even the deepest enmities into bonds of affection, and to recognize that true reconciliation comes only through reliance on Allah's wisdom and mercy. It encourages patience during times of conflict and faith that Allah's plan may include unexpected blessings.