أَلَا تُقَـٰتِلُونَ قَوْمًا نَّكَثُوٓا۟ أَيْمَـٰنَهُمْ وَهَمُّوا۟ بِإِخْرَاجِ ٱلرَّسُولِ وَهُم بَدَءُوكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ ۚ أَتَخْشَوْنَهُمْ ۚ فَٱللَّهُ أَحَقُّ أَن تَخْشَوْهُ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ 13
Translations
Would you not fight against a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allāh has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers.
Transliteration
Alaa tuqaatiloon qawman nakhathoo aymanahum wa hammoo bi-ikhraaj ar-rasool wa hum bada'ookum awwal marrah, atakhshawnahum, fa-Allahu ahaqq an takhshawhu in kuntum mu'mineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to fight against those who broke their covenants with the Muslims, plotted to expel the Prophet Muhammad, and initiated hostilities first. Allah rebukes the believers for fearing their enemies while neglecting to fear Him, asserting that true fear and reverence belong to Allah alone. Classical exegetes like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this primarily as referring to the Quraysh and the people of Makkah who violated their agreements with the Prophet and initiated persecution.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Surah At-Tawbah (9 AH/630 CE), which addresses the aftermath of broken treaties and the necessity of military campaigns against those who violated their covenants. Specifically, it refers to the Quraysh's aggression at Badr and their repeated violations of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, establishing the justification for fighting those who initiate hostility against the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet emphasized standing firm against those who initiate aggression: 'The best jihad is speaking a word of truth to a tyrannical ruler' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, numerous hadiths address the rules of engagement when enemies break treaties and initiate hostilities first.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should prioritize their fear and reverence of Allah above all earthly fears, and should not hesitate to stand against those who betray agreements and initiate aggression, understanding that reliance upon Allah provides true security and strength.