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
وَمَن يُوَلِّهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ دُبُرَهُۥٓ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفًا لِّقِتَالٍ أَوْ مُتَحَيِّزًا إِلَىٰ فِئَةٍ فَقَدْ بَآءَ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allāh, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allāh much that you may be successful.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَخُونُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓا۟ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
O you who have believed, do not betray Allāh and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].
۞ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُۥ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ إِن كُنتُمْ ءَامَنتُم بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ ٱلْتَقَى ٱلْجَمْعَانِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allāh is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allāh and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion [i.e., decisive encounter] - the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allāh, over all things, is competent.