يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ 45
Translations
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.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu idha laqitum fi'atan fathbitu wadhkuru Allaha kathiran la'allakum tuflihun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to stand firm and remain steadfast when they encounter an enemy force in battle, and to remember Allah abundantly, as this remembrance strengthens resolve and brings success. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that sabr (steadfastness) combined with dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are the dual pillars of victory—psychological fortitude through faith rather than reliance on numbers or military might alone.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Battle of Badr (2 AH), where the Muslims were vastly outnumbered by the Meccan forces. The surah addresses the believers' preparation for this decisive battle and provides guidance on maintaining spiritual resolve and unity when facing a more numerous enemy.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, Abu Bakr's counsel at Badr to remain firm illustrates the principle of sabr mentioned in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
True victory in life's struggles—whether physical, spiritual, or psychological—comes not from numbers or resources alone, but from unwavering steadfastness rooted in constant remembrance of Allah. This teaches believers that maintaining connection with the Divine through dhikr fortifies the heart and brings success in all righteous endeavors.
Related Ayahs
كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ ۙ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۚ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They disbelieved in the signs of Allāh, so Allāh seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and severe in penalty.
وَإِن يُرِيدُوٓا۟ أَن يَخْدَعُوكَ فَإِنَّ حَسْبَكَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَيَّدَكَ بِنَصْرِهِۦ وَبِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
But if they intend to deceive you - then sufficient for you is Allāh. It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers
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.
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.