يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِـُٔوا۟ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِمْ وَٱللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِۦ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ 8
Translations
They want to extinguish the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.
Transliteration
Yureedoona liyutfee'oo noora Allahi bi-afwahihim wa-Allahu mutimmu noorahoo wa-law kariha alkafiroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the disbelievers' futile attempt to extinguish the light of Allah (His guidance and revelation) through their words, arguments, and opposition. However, Allah assures that His light will be perfected and completed regardless of the disbelievers' hatred and resistance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'light' as referring to Islam and the Message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing that no human effort can diminish or eliminate divine truth.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during a period of intensified opposition from disbelievers and hypocrites who sought to undermine the Islamic message through rhetoric and propaganda. This ayah comes within the broader context of Surah As-Saf, which discusses the struggle between believers and disbelievers, and reassures Muslims of ultimate victory and the preservation of Allah's religion.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'This religion will remain mighty and powerful until there come twelve caliphs,' and 'Allah will not allow my Ummah to unite upon misguidance' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). These hadiths complement the assurance given in this ayah about the preservation of Islam.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite worldly opposition and rhetoric against Islamic truth, believers should have unwavering confidence that Allah's religion and message are inviolable and will ultimately prevail. This ayah teaches resilience and faith during periods of adversity, reminding Muslims that their duty is to convey the message while Allah guarantees its protection and perpetuation.