وَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ وَٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَدَعْ أَذَىٰهُمْ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًا 48
Translations
And do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites and disregard their annoyance, and rely upon Allāh. And sufficient is Allāh as Disposer of affairs.
Transliteration
Wa lā tuṭi'i al-kāfirīna wa-al-munāfiqīna wa-da' adhāhum wa-tawakkul 'alā Allāh. Wa-kafā bi-Allāh wakīlā.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to disregard the demands and opposition of both disbelievers and hypocrites, and instead to rely completely upon Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this directive applies universally to all believers—to remain steadfast in faith regardless of external pressures, to ignore the harm and insults directed at them, and to place their trust entirely in Allah's protection and guidance. The phrase 'wa-kafā bi-Allāh wakīlā' (and Allah is sufficient as a guardian/trustee) serves as a powerful reassurance that Divine protection is complete and absolute.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period of intense opposition from the Quraysh disbelievers and Jewish/hypocritical groups within Medina itself. This ayah is part of Surah Al-Ahzab, which addresses the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq) and the broader challenges the Muslim community faced. It reminds the Prophet and believers to remain unshaken by opposition and to trust in Allah's ultimate authority.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with Sahih Bukhari's hadith where the Prophet said, 'Whoever relies on Allah, He will suffice him' (man yatawakkal 'alā Allāh fa-huwa hasbuh). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim about patience in the face of harm from disbelievers and hypocrites.
Themes
Key Lesson
In facing opposition from those who reject faith or act with insincerity, believers should focus on obedience to Allah rather than appeasement of detractors, understanding that true security comes only through complete trust in the Divine. This teaches that spiritual resilience is achieved not by responding to every criticism or harm, but by maintaining unwavering reliance on Allah's wisdom and protection.