وَمَا لَنَآ أَلَّا نَتَوَكَّلَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَىٰنَا سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَلَنَصْبِرَنَّ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاذَيْتُمُونَا ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلُونَ 12
Translations
And why should we not rely upon Allāh while He has guided us to our [good] ways. And we will surely be patient against whatever harm you should cause us. And upon Allāh let those who would rely [indeed] rely."
Transliteration
Wa maa lana alla natawakkala alallahi wa qad hadana subulanaa wa lanasbiranna ala ma adhaytumuna wa alallahi falyatawakkal al-mutawakkilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This verse represents the resolute declaration of the believers (the messengers and their followers) in response to persecution, affirming that there is no reason for them not to place their complete trust in Allah, especially since He has guided them to the right path. Ibn Kathir explains that this statement expresses unwavering faith despite adversity—the believers commit to patience against the harm inflicted upon them while calling all who trust to rely upon Allah alone. Al-Tabari notes this reflects the steadfastness of the early Muslims who refused to abandon their faith despite oppression from the Meccan disbelievers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ibrahim, a Meccan chapter revealed during the period of intense persecution of the early Muslim community. The context involves the messengers and believers addressing their opponents, demonstrating the psychological resilience and spiritual conviction needed to endure trials. It reflects the historical trials faced by the Prophet Muhammad and the early believers in Mecca before the hijrah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Remarkable is the affair of the believer, for all his matters are good. If prosperity befalls him, he is grateful, and if adversity befalls him, he is patient' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, the hadith regarding tawakkul: 'Trust in Allah as if you have placed your complete reliance on Him' (Tirmidhi) reflects the spirit of this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true reliance on Allah naturally leads to patience in the face of harm, and that believers should view difficulties not as reasons to doubt but as opportunities to strengthen their trust in the Divine. For modern Muslims, it offers profound solace: when facing worldly challenges or opposition to faith, remembering that Allah has already guided us to the right path should inspire unwavering patience and complete dependence on Him rather than human means.