فَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِفَ وَعْدِهِۦ رُسُلَهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ 47
Translations
So never think that Allāh will fail in His promise to His messengers. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.
Transliteration
Fa lā tahsabanna Allāha mukhlifā wa'dahu rusulahu, inna Allāha 'azīzun dhū intiqām
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reassures the believers and the Messenger that Allah will never break His promise to His messengers regarding their eventual victory and the punishment of their enemies. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that despite the apparent weakness of the believers and the strength of the disbelievers, Allah's promise is certain and inviolable, for He is Mighty (Al-'Azīz) and possesses the power of retribution against those who oppose His messengers.
Revelation Context
Surah Ibrahim was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of Muslims by the Quraysh. This ayah falls within a section addressing the believers' fears and doubts, providing divine reassurance that the persecuted messengers and their followers would ultimately triumph. The context reflects the challenges faced by the early Muslim community and Allah's guarantee of support.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim wherein the Prophet ﷺ said: 'The strongest among you in my ummah is the one who is patient during times of fitnah (trials)' reflects the theme of Allah's protection of His messengers. Additionally, the hadith about Allah's promise: 'Verily, my word will not change' (from various collections) directly supports this ayah's message.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should have unwavering trust in Allah's promises and not despair despite worldly hardships and opposition, knowing that Allah never breaks His covenant with His messengers and the faithful will ultimately prevail. This ayah teaches that true strength lies not in material power but in reliance upon the Almighty, whose judgment is just and whose vengeance against oppressors is certain.