وَمَا كَانَ قَوْلَهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 147
Translations
And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."
Transliteration
Wa mā kāna qawluhum illā an qālū Rabbanā ighfir lanā dhunūbanā wa isrāfanā fī amrinā wa thabbit aqdāmanā wansurnā 'alā al-qawm al-kāfirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers at the Battle of Uhud whose response to adversity was to turn entirely to Allah in supplication, seeking forgiveness for their sins and excess, requesting steadfastness, and asking for divine support against the disbelievers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these words exemplify the proper conduct of the righteous when facing trials—rather than despair or blame, they humble themselves before Allah and recognize their dependence on His mercy and aid. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that their comprehensive du'a addresses both spiritual purification (asking forgiveness) and practical needs (steadfastness and victory), demonstrating balanced reliance on Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative following the Battle of Uhud (2 AH), where Muslims initially gained advantage but suffered defeat due to archers abandoning their posts. The ayah specifically refers to the believers who remained steadfast in faith despite this setback, exemplifying how the righteous respond to trials with submission to Allah's will rather than despair or rebellion.
Related Hadiths
The du'a structure aligns with the teaching in Sunan At-Tirmidhi where the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized comprehensive supplication combining requests for forgiveness and help. Additionally, Sahih Muslim records that during trials, the Prophet (ﷺ) would seek refuge in Allah's patience and call upon Him for steadfastness.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing difficulty or failure, believers should turn to Allah with sincere repentance, acknowledge their limitations, and seek both spiritual purification and divine assistance rather than despair or self-blame. This ayah teaches that vulnerability before Allah and comprehensive supplication is the strongest response to worldly challenges.
Related Ayahs
لَن يَضُرُّوكُمْ إِلَّآ أَذًى ۖ وَإِن يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمْ يُوَلُّوكُمُ ٱلْأَدْبَارَ ثُمَّ لَا يُنصَرُونَ
They will not harm you except for [some] annoyance. And if they fight you, they will show you their backs [i.e., retreat]; then they will not be aided.
وَإِذْ غَدَوْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ تُبَوِّئُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلْقِتَالِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And [remember] when you, [O Muḥammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uḥud] - and Allāh is Hearing and Knowing -
فَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ جَآءُو بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْمُنِيرِ
Then if they deny you, [O Muḥammad] - so were messengers denied before you, who brought clear proofs and written ordinances and the enlightening Scripture.
وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ نَافَقُوا۟ ۚ وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ قَـٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوِ ٱدْفَعُوا۟ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَوْ نَعْلَمُ قِتَالًا لَّٱتَّبَعْنَـٰكُمْ ۗ هُمْ لِلْكُفْرِ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْهُمْ لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ ۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَكْتُمُونَ
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allāh or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] battle, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allāh is most knowing of what they conceal -