وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱللَّهُ وَعْدَهُۥ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ 6
Translations
[It is] the promise of Allāh. Allāh does not fail in His promise, but most of the people do not know.
Transliteration
Wa'd-Allahi la yukhlifu Allahu wa'dahu wa lakin akthara an-nasi la ya'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms the absolute promise of Allah regarding the Romans' victory (mentioned in verses 2-4), emphasizing that Allah never breaks His promises while acknowledging that most people lack knowledge of this divine certainty. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this serves as reassurance to believers during a time when the Byzantine Romans (Christian) were defeated by the Persians, yet Allah had promised their return within a few years—a prophecy that was fulfilled and served as a sign of Quranic truthfulness.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the opening passage of Surah Ar-Rum, which was revealed during the Meccan period when news reached the Muslims that the Christian Byzantine Romans had been defeated by the Zoroastrian Persians. The context addresses the miraculous prophecy that the Romans would be victorious again within 3-9 years, which came to pass and vindicated the Quran's divine origin.
Related Hadiths
The general principle is supported by Hadith Qudsi: 'I am as My servant thinks of Me' (Sahih Bukhari 7405), emphasizing trust in Allah's promises. Additionally, the historical fulfillment of this prophecy is referenced in various Seerah accounts documenting how the Romans' victory occurred exactly as predicted.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's promises are certain and immutable, even when worldly circumstances seem to contradict them; our role is to trust in Allah's decree and recognize that most people lack the spiritual insight to perceive these divine realities.