ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوْلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَأَنَّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ لَا مَوْلَىٰ لَهُمْ 11
Translations
That is because Allāh is the protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.
Transliteration
Dhālika bi-anna Allāha mawlā alladhīna āmanū wa-anna alkāfirīna lā mawlā lahum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah is the Protector, Helper, and Guardian (Mawlā) of those who believe, while the disbelievers have no such protector or guardian. Ibn Kathir explains this in the context of the believers' victory and the disbelievers' defeat, indicating that success in this life and the Hereafter depends entirely on Allah's support. Al-Qurtubi notes that mawlā carries multiple meanings—Master, Helper, Ally, and Supporter—all of which apply to Allah's relationship with the believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Muhammad (a Medinan chapter) within the broader context of discussing the outcomes of battles and conflicts between believers and disbelievers. It comes after verses discussing the conditions of Paradise and Hell, serving to remind believers of the ultimate distinction between the two groups based on their relationship with Allah.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever takes Allah as a guardian, and His Messenger, and those who have believed—indeed, the faction of Allah—they will be the predominant ones' (58:22). Also relevant is the general principle in Sahih Bukhari emphasizing reliance (tawakkul) on Allah alone.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should find comfort and security in knowing that Allah is their ultimate Protector and Guardian, regardless of worldly circumstances or opposition they face. This ayah teaches that true strength and support come not from numbers, wealth, or alliances, but from sincere faith in Allah and His complete guardianship over those who believe.
Related Ayahs
فَكَيْفَ إِذَا تَوَفَّتْهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَـٰرَهُمْ
Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs?
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ زَادَهُمْ هُدًى وَءَاتَىٰهُمْ تَقْوَىٰهُمْ
And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.
أَمْ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ أَن لَّن يُخْرِجَ ٱللَّهُ أَضْغَـٰنَهُمْ
Or do those in whose hearts is disease think that Allāh would never expose their [feelings of] hatred?
هَـٰٓأَنتُمْ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ تُدْعَوْنَ لِتُنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَمِنكُم مَّن يَبْخَلُ ۖ وَمَن يَبْخَلْ فَإِنَّمَا يَبْخَلُ عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلْغَنِىُّ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْفُقَرَآءُ ۚ وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ يَسْتَبْدِلْ قَوْمًا غَيْرَكُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوٓا۟ أَمْثَـٰلَكُم
Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allāh - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allāh is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away [i.e., refuse], He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.