وَإِذْ يَمْكُرُ بِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِيُثْبِتُوكَ أَوْ يَقْتُلُوكَ أَوْ يُخْرِجُوكَ ۚ وَيَمْكُرُونَ وَيَمْكُرُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَـٰكِرِينَ 30
Translations
And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allāh plans. And Allāh is the best of planners.
Transliteration
Wa-idh yamkuru bika alladhina kafaroo liyuthbitooaka aw yaqtulooaka aw yukhrijooka wa-yamkuroon wa-yamkuru Allahu wa-Allahu khayru al-makireeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Meccan disbelievers' conspiracy against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), wherein they plotted to imprison, kill, or exile him. The ayah emphasizes that while the disbelievers schemed, Allah was also planning, and His plan is superior to all human machinations. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that 'makr' (plotting/scheming) attributed to Allah refers to His perfect strategy and wisdom in outwitting the plans of His enemies, demonstrating His divine sovereignty and protection of His Messenger.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anfal, a Medinan surah revealed after the Battle of Badr. The ayah specifically references the historical opposition the Prophet faced in Mecca from the Quraysh, who indeed plotted against him through various means until he emigrated to Medina. It provides perspective on how Allah's divine plan ultimately prevailed over the machinations of those who opposed His Messenger.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3610) reports that the Prophet's companions guarded him during the night of the Hijra (emigration), demonstrating the real danger of the plots mentioned. Additionally, Muslim reports hadiths about the Quraysh's specific plans to kill the Prophet, including their placement of guards around his house, which Allah foiled through the Hijra.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite facing grave dangers and conspiracies from powerful adversaries, the believer can find solace in knowing that Allah's plan is ultimately superior and will prevail. This ayah teaches resilience and trust in Allah's divine wisdom, encouraging Muslims to rely on Him when facing opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ ٱلْتَقَيْتُمْ فِىٓ أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِىٓ أَعْيُنِهِمْ لِيَقْضِىَ ٱللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا ۗ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ
And [remember] when He showed them to you, when you met, as few in your eyes, and He made you [appear] as few in their eyes so that Allāh might accomplish a matter already destined. And to Allāh are [all] matters returned.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَلَا تَوَلَّوْا۟ عَنْهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَسْمَعُونَ
O you who have believed, obey Allāh and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].
كَمَآ أَخْرَجَكَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَيْتِكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَإِنَّ فَرِيقًا مِّنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ لَكَـٰرِهُونَ
[It is] just as when your Lord brought you out of your home [for the battle of Badr] in truth, while indeed, a party among the believers were unwilling,
إِن تَسْتَفْتِحُوا۟ فَقَدْ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلْفَتْحُ ۖ وَإِن تَنتَهُوا۟ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تَعُودُوا۟ نَعُدْ وَلَن تُغْنِىَ عَنكُمْ فِئَتُكُمْ شَيْـًٔا وَلَوْ كَثُرَتْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
If you [disbelievers] seek the decision [i.e., victory] - the decision [i.e., defeat] has come to you. And if you desist [from hostilities], it is best for you; but if you return [to war], We will return, and never will you be availed by your [large] company at all, even if it should increase; and [that is] because Allāh is with the believers.