سَيُهْزَمُ ٱلْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّونَ ٱلدُّبُرَ 45
Translations
[Their] assembly will be defeated, and they will turn their backs [in retreat].
Transliteration
Sayuhzamul jama'u wa yuwallun ad-dubur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the defeat of the disbelievers and their army on the Day of Badr, where Allah's promise of victory for the believers was manifested. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah's assurance to Prophet Muhammad and the believers that their enemies will be routed and forced to flee despite being outnumbered. The verse emphasizes Allah's divine support for the righteous cause and the inevitable defeat of those who oppose His truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qamar, which was revealed in Mecca and contains multiple references to the Battle of Badr. The context discusses how the disbelievers rejected the message and mocked the believers, yet Allah promised them clear signs of His support. This particular verse directly alludes to the historical victory at Badr where 313 believers defeated approximately 1000 Meccan polytheists, validating the Prophet's mission.
Related Hadiths
The Battle of Badr is extensively documented in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. A related hadith in Sahih Bukhari describes how the Prophet made dua (supplication) before Badr, and Allah answered his prayer by sending angels to assist the believers. Another relevant tradition in Muslim collections emphasizes Allah's promise: 'Soon will the multitude be put to flight, and they will show you their backs' (Surah Al-Qamar 54:45).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true victory comes through faith and obedience to Allah, not through material strength or numbers. It provides enduring comfort that those who stand for truth, even when facing overwhelming odds, can trust in Allah's promise of ultimate success if they remain steadfast.