إِنَّمَا ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَآءَهُۥ فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ 175
Translations
That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.
Transliteration
Innama dhalikumu ash-shaytanu yukhawwifu awliyaa'ahu fala takhafu hum wa khafun in kuntum mu'mineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah clarifies that the fear instilled in believers' hearts regarding the enemy is actually from Satan, who uses intimidation to strengthen the resolve of his allies (the disbelievers). Allah commands the believers to not fear their enemies, but rather to fear Allah alone if they are true believers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this was revealed to address the Muslims' fear during the Battle of Uhud, emphasizing that true faith requires trust in Allah's protection rather than being paralyzed by worldly threats.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran, which addresses events surrounding the Battle of Uhud (3 AH). It specifically responds to the believers' anxiety and fear when facing the Meccan army, reminding them that Satan exploits fear to weaken their resolve and that reliance on Allah is the antidote to such fear.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest shirk (polytheism) is to say, 'If it were not for Allah and so-and-so' (Musnad Ahmad). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet emphasized: 'Fear Allah, and do not fear the people,' which directly reinforces the message of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
A believer's strength lies not in military might or fearlessness of enemies, but in unwavering trust in Allah and consciousness that He alone is the true authority. In times of adversity or opposition, recognizing that fear originates from Satan helps believers redirect their focus toward obedience to Allah rather than being enslaved by anxiety about worldly consequences.