يُثَبِّتُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱلْقَوْلِ ٱلثَّابِتِ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۖ وَيُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ۚ وَيَفْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يَشَآءُ 27
Translations
Allāh keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allāh sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allāh does what He wills.
Transliteration
Yuthabbitu-llahu alladhina amanu bil-qawli-ththabiti fi-l-hayati-d-dunya wa-fi-l-akhirah; wa-yudillu-llahu adh-dhalimin; wa-yafa'alu-llahu ma yasha'
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah firmly establishes believers in their faith with unwavering conviction (al-qawl al-thaabit) in both this worldly life and the afterlife, while allowing the wrongdoers to stray from the right path. Ibn Kathir explains that 'the firm word' refers to the testimony of faith (shahada) and righteous speech rooted in knowledge, which Allah uses to strengthen the hearts of believers against doubts and temptations. This ayah emphasizes Allah's mercy toward the faithful and His justice in allowing the unjust to remain in misguidance as a consequence of their own choices.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam when believers faced severe persecution and doubts about their faith. The surah addresses the struggle of believers who questioned whether they would be granted victory, and this ayah reassures them that Allah grants steadfastness to those who believe genuinely, both in the trials of this world and in standing before Him in the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, Allah does not judge you by your bodies and wealth, but He judges by your hearts and deeds.' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Also relevant: 'The strongest among you in my ummah is the one who is strongest in faith.' (Tirmidhi)
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith requires not merely intellectual assent but a firm, unwavering conviction rooted in the heart that sustains believers through life's trials and doubts. This ayah teaches that seeking Allah's help in strengthening our faith and maintaining righteous speech is essential, as steadfastness is ultimately a gift from Allah granted to those who sincerely believe.