وَلَقَدْ كَانُوا۟ عَـٰهَدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مِن قَبْلُ لَا يُوَلُّونَ ٱلْأَدْبَـٰرَ ۚ وَكَانَ عَهْدُ ٱللَّهِ مَسْـُٔولًا 15
Translations
And they had already promised Allāh before not to turn their backs [i.e., flee]. And ever is the promise to Allāh [that about which one will be] questioned.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad kanu AAahadoo Allaha min qablu la yuwalloona al-adbara wa-kana AAahdu Allahi masulah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the hypocrites and their broken covenant with Allah to stand firm and not turn their backs during the Battle of the Confederates (Ahzab). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that the hypocrites had previously pledged to Allah that they would not flee from battle, yet they violated this covenant when tested. The ayah emphasizes that the covenant made with Allah is a serious matter for which one will be held accountable (masulah—questioned/asked about).
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed during or shortly after the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat al-Ahzab), which occurred in 5 AH when the pagan Arabs and Jews united to attack Madinah. The surah addresses the behavior of hypocrites who abandoned the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the believers during this critical moment of crisis.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record accounts of the Battle of the Confederates where the hypocrites are described as those who 'turned back with permission' (Quran 33:13), refusing to participate in the defense of Madinah. Additionally, hadiths about the covenant with Allah appear in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the seriousness of pledges made to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Every promise made to Allah, whether explicit or implicit through our faith, carries immense spiritual weight and requires sincere commitment. We should reflect on our own covenants with Allah—in prayer, obedience, and moral conduct—and strive to fulfill them steadfastly rather than abandon them when facing difficulties.