فَٱصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِبْكَـٰرِ 55
Translations
So be patient, [O Muḥammad]. Indeed, the promise of Allāh is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin and exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning.
Transliteration
Fasbir inna wa'da Allahi haqqun wastaghfir li dhanbika wa sabbih bihamdi rabbika bil-'ashi wa al-ibkar
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to exercise patience in facing opposition and mockery from the disbelievers, assuring him that Allah's promise of victory and support is true. Concurrently, he is instructed to seek forgiveness for his sins and to glorify his Lord with praise during the evening and early morning hours—acts of worship that strengthen the soul and provide solace during trials. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse combines patient endurance (sabr) with continuous remembrance of Allah (dhikr) as the means to overcome worldly hardships and remain steadfast in faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan period when the Prophet faced intense persecution from the Quraysh. It is situated within Surah Ghafir, which emphasizes Allah's forgiveness and mercy, and this particular verse addresses the Prophet's emotional and spiritual needs during a time of great trial, encouraging him to find strength through prayer and remembrance rather than despair.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The best of deeds is prayer, and the best of prayer is performed at dawn' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, 'Whoever seeks forgiveness of Allah seventy times a day, Allah will forgive him' (Sunan Ibn Majah), reflecting the emphasis on istighfar (seeking forgiveness) mentioned in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing difficulties and opposition, Muslims should respond not with despair but with patient perseverance combined with consistent prayer and remembrance of Allah, finding strength and peace through worship rather than worldly means. This verse teaches that spiritual discipline—particularly consistent morning and evening devotions—is a transformative practice that fortifies the heart against trials.