ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْفَآئِزُونَ 20
Translations
The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allāh with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allāh. And it is those who are the attainers [of success].
Transliteration
Alladhīna āmanū wa-hājarū wa-jāhadū fī sabīli-llāhi bi-amwālihim wa-anfusihim a'ẓamu darajatan 'inda-llāh. Wa-ulā'ika humu-l-fā'izūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the elevated spiritual rank of those who combine faith (īmān), migration (hijrah), and striving in Allah's cause (jihād) by sacrificing both their wealth and lives. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah particularly honors the Muhājirūn (those who migrated from Mecca to Madinah) and those who fought alongside the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), as they embodied all three qualities. The verse concludes that such individuals are the true winners (al-fā'izūn) in this life and the Hereafter, having attained success through complete submission and sacrifice.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Madinah during the period of military expeditions and jihād, this ayah was contextualized by the struggles of early Muslims who left their homes, possessions, and families to establish Islam in Madinah. It specifically honors the Muhājirūn and the Ansār (helpers) who sacrificed materially and physically, distinguishing their merit from those who merely professed faith without action.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of people is a believer who strives in the way of Allah with his life and wealth' (Jāmi' at-Tirmidhī). Additionally, 'Whoever emigrates for the sake of Allah will find on earth many resources and abundance' (Sahīh al-Bukhārī 2520).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that sincere faith must be accompanied by concrete action and sacrifice; true devotion to Allah's cause is measured not by words alone but by willingness to give up worldly comforts and security. For modern readers, this teaches that meaningful spiritual achievement requires commitment, effort, and sometimes difficult choices in service of one's values and faith.
Related Ayahs
عَفَا ٱللَّهُ عَنكَ لِمَ أَذِنتَ لَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكَ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ وَتَعْلَمَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ
Allāh has pardoned you, [O Muḥammad, but] why did you give them permission [to remain behind]? [You should not have] until it was evident to you who were truthful and you knew [who were] the liars.
يَحْذَرُ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقُونَ أَن تُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُورَةٌ تُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۚ قُلِ ٱسْتَهْزِءُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُخْرِجٌ مَّا تَحْذَرُونَ
The hypocrites are apprehensive lest a sūrah be revealed about them, informing them of what is in their hearts. Say, "Mock [as you wish]; indeed, Allāh will expose that which you fear."
كَيْفَ وَإِن يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَيْكُمْ لَا يَرْقُبُوا۟ فِيكُمْ إِلًّا وَلَا ذِمَّةً ۚ يُرْضُونَكُم بِأَفْوَٰهِهِمْ وَتَأْبَىٰ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَأَكْثَرُهُمْ فَـٰسِقُونَ
How [can there be a treaty] while, if they gain dominance over you, they do not observe concerning you any pact of kinship or covenant of protection? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [compliance], and most of them are defiantly disobedient.
يَحْلِفُونَ لَكُمْ لِتَرْضَوْا۟ عَنْهُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَرْضَوْا۟ عَنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرْضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ
They swear to you so that you might be satisfied with them. But if you should be satisfied with them - indeed, Allāh is not satisfied with a defiantly disobedient people.