لَـٰكِنِ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ ۚ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتُ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ 88
Translations
But the Messenger and those who believed with him fought with their wealth and their lives. Those will have [all that is] good and it is those who are the successful.
Transliteration
Lākinir-rasūlu wa-lladhīna āmanū ma'ahū jāhadū bi-amwālihim wa-anfusihim. Wa-ulā'ika lahumu al-khayerātu wa-ulā'ika humu al-muflihūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah contrasts those who made excuses from jihad with the Prophet Muhammad and the believers who strived with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that true success (falāh) and goodness belong exclusively to those who sacrifice their material possessions and themselves for Allah's cause, highlighting that jihad is not merely physical warfare but a comprehensive commitment of one's resources and self.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah At-Tawbah (revealed in the 9th year of Hijrah), which addresses the hypocrites and those who made excuses during the Tabuk expedition. The context involves those who sought permission not to participate in the military campaign, while the sincere believers and the Prophet prepared to defend Islam, making this verse a direct rebuke to half-hearted faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best jihad is a word of truth spoken in the face of a tyrant' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever dies without having fought in jihad or having intended to fight, dies upon a branch of hypocrisy' (Sahih Muslim) relates to the theme of sincere striving.
Themes
Key Lesson
True success in this life and the hereafter comes through wholehearted commitment to Allah's cause, requiring both material sacrifice and personal dedication. This teaches modern Muslims that faith is demonstrated through tangible action and sacrifice, whether through financial support, time, effort, or standing for truth, not merely through words or nominal belief.