يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ خُذُوا۟ حِذْرَكُمْ فَٱنفِرُوا۟ ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ ٱنفِرُوا۟ جَمِيعًا 71
Translations
O you who have believed, take your precaution and [either] go forth in companies or go forth all together.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu khudhu hidhrakum fa-infiru thubaatin awi infiru jami'an
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to take precaution and vigilance in matters of faith and military expeditions, instructing them to mobilize either in organized groups (thubaatin - in detachments) or all together as one force. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse teaches believers to be prepared and strategic in defending Islam, combining both careful planning with decisive action. The instruction reflects wisdom in military matters while maintaining the principle that defense of the faith is a collective responsibility.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period when the Muslim community faced military threats and was developing defensive strategies against their adversaries. This verse is part of a broader section in Surah An-Nisa addressing the conduct of believers in times of conflict and struggle, reflecting the historical context of the early Muslim state's need to organize and defend itself.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi) - relating to the protective duty. Also relevant: 'Whoever dies without having fought or intended to fight has died with a branch of hypocrisy' (Muslim) - emphasizing the importance of readiness and commitment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers the importance of being prepared and strategic in protecting their faith and community while maintaining unity—whether through coordinated group efforts or unified collective action, success comes through careful planning combined with decisive commitment to shared values.
Related Ayahs
۞ فَمَا لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِئَتَيْنِ وَٱللَّهُ أَرْكَسَهُم بِمَا كَسَبُوٓا۟ ۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَهْدُوا۟ مَنْ أَضَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ سَبِيلًا
What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allāh has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allāh has sent astray? And he whom Allāh sends astray - never will you find for him a way [of guidance].
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلًۢا بَعِيدًا
Indeed, Allāh does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allāh has certainly gone far astray.
وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ عُدْوَٰنًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِ نَارًا ۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًا
And whoever does that in aggression and injustice - then We will drive him into a Fire. And that, for Allāh, is [always] easy.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَن تَرِثُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ كَرْهًا ۖ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوا۟ بِبَعْضِ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّآ أَن يَأْتِينَ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِن كَرِهْتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَيَجْعَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا
O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality [i.e., adultery]. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allāh makes therein much good.