فَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوٓءٌ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ رِضْوَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ 174
Translations
So they returned with favor from Allāh and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allāh, and Allāh is the possessor of great bounty.
Transliteration
Fānqalabū binʿimatin mina -llāhi wa-faḍlin lam yamasashum sūʾun wa-ttabaʿū riḍwāna -llāhi wa-allāhu dhū faḍlin ʿaẓīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the believers returned from the Battle of Uhud with Allah's blessings and grace, unharmed despite the difficulties they faced, because they sought Allah's pleasure rather than worldly gains. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse demonstrates how sincere obedience to Allah and seeking His approval (riḍwān) leads to divine protection and bounty, even in circumstances of hardship. The ayah concludes with affirming Allah's infinite grace and favor toward those who trust in Him.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Quranic narrative regarding the Battle of Uhud (year 3 AH), where the Muslims initially prevailed but then suffered setbacks due to archers abandoning their posts. The verse reflects the lessons the believers drew from this experience—that true victory lies not in material outcome but in maintaining taqwa (piety) and seeking Allah's pleasure. It occurs within Surah Ali 'Imran's broader discussion of testing believers and the importance of steadfastness.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it,' relating to those who follow Allah's guidance. Additionally, Muslim records that the Prophet taught that 'whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah over the pleasure of people, Allah is pleased with them and grants them contentment.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True success and protection come not from material outcomes but from sincere devotion to Allah and seeking His pleasure above all else. In facing life's trials and setbacks, maintaining faith and righteous conduct ensures that we return enriched with divine blessings, regardless of apparent circumstances.