لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا 21
Translations
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.
Transliteration
Laqad kana lakum fee rasoolillahi uswatun hasanatun limman kana yarjoo allaha wa alyawma alakhira wa thakara allaha kathira
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the exemplary model (uswah hasanah) for all believers in their conduct and character. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah encompasses the Prophet's entire life—his patience, moral excellence, devotion to Allah, and treatment of others—as a comprehensive guide for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah abundantly. The ayah's placement in Surah Al-Ahzab, which discusses the trials of the Battle of the Confederates, reinforces that the Prophet's steadfastness during hardship serves as the ultimate example for believers facing their own challenges.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period within Surah Al-Ahzab, which addresses the community's experiences during and after the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwah Al-Ahzab). The context emphasizes the Prophet's role as a beacon of guidance and moral fortitude during times of trial, encouraging the Muslim community to emulate his example in their faith and endurance.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of Aisha (Sahih Muslim) states: 'His character was the Quran,' indicating that the Prophet's entire life embodied Quranic principles. Additionally, the hadith from Jundub ibn Abdullah (Sahih Bukhari) recounts the Prophet's perseverance during hardship, exemplifying the uswah hasanah referenced in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
For modern believers, this ayah emphasizes that spiritual growth requires conscious emulation of the Prophet's character and conduct in daily life—not merely theoretical belief, but practical implementation of his exemplary behavior in dealings with family, community, and strangers. This ayah calls us to study the Prophet's life (Seerah) as a living guide for navigating contemporary challenges with integrity and faith.