وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ 40
Translations
But if they turn away - then know that Allāh is your protector. Excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
Transliteration
Wa-in tawallaw fa-'lamū anna Allāha mawlāakum, ni'ma al-mawlā wa-ni'ma al-nāsir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah assures the believers that if the disbelievers turn away from the message of Allah, the Muslims should remain steadfast, knowing that Allah is their protector and helper. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah's protection and assistance are far superior to any worldly ally, emphasizing that those who trust in Allah need fear no enemy. Al-Qurtubi notes that this verse provides consolation to the believers during times of adversity and rejection, reinforcing their reliance on Divine support rather than human alliances.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Anfal, which discusses the Battle of Badr and the principles of warfare and community in Islam. It was revealed in Medina during a period when the nascent Muslim community faced opposition from the Quraysh and other disbelieving groups. The verse serves to strengthen the resolve of believers who encountered rejection despite their sincere call to monotheism.
Related Hadiths
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever is patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a better or greater gift than patience.' (Sahih Bukhari 5059). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' relates thematically to reliance on Allah's guardianship (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing rejection or opposition in spreading truth, believers should anchor their confidence in Allah's protection rather than human support or approval. This ayah teaches that true security and victory come through reliance on the Divine, regardless of how many turn away from the message.
Related Ayahs
ذَٰلِكُمْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُوهِنُ كَيْدِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
That [is so], and [also] that Allāh will weaken the plot of the disbelievers.
وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا۟ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِم بَطَرًا وَرِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ
And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert [them] from the way of Allāh. And Allāh is encompassing of what they do.
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,
وَإِن يُرِيدُوا۟ خِيَانَتَكَ فَقَدْ خَانُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مِن قَبْلُ فَأَمْكَنَ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
But if they intend to betray you - then they have already betrayed Allāh before, and He empowered [you] over them. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.