إِذْ يَقُولُ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمْ ۗ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ 49
Translations
[Remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was disease [i.e., arrogance and disbelief] said, "Their religion has deluded those [Muslims]." But whoever relies upon Allāh - then indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Transliteration
Idh yaqool al-munafiqoon wa-alladheen fee quloobihim marad gharr ha'ula'i deenuhum wa-man yatawakkal 'ala-Allah fa-inn Allah 'aziz hakeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts during the Battle of Badr, who mocked the believers by saying their religion had deceived them into thinking they could win against the Quraysh's superior numbers and resources. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah responds by affirming that whoever places their trust in Allah will find Him mighty and wise in His decisions, assuring the believers that numerical or material superiority is insignificant compared to divine support. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this verse highlights the contrast between the faithlessness of the hypocrites and the unwavering reliance of true believers on Allah's promise and power.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period, specifically in the context of the Battle of Badr (2 AH), where some of the Ansar's hypocritical members expressed doubt about the believers' chances against the well-armed Meccan caravan. The broader surah discusses the distribution of war spoils and lessons from this pivotal battle, emphasizing divine assistance and the importance of sincerity in faith.
Related Hadiths
The hadith from Sahih Bukhari (3:173) records that during Badr, when the believers saw the Quraysh's numbers, some said 'This number will surely defeat us today,' but the Prophet (ﷺ) responded with unwavering trust in Allah's promise. Additionally, the principle of tawakkul (reliance on Allah) is emphasized in numerous hadiths, such as the one in Tirmidhi where the Prophet said 'Trust in Allah as is His due.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True believers should never allow apparent worldly disadvantages or the mockery of doubters to shake their faith in Allah's plan; instead, complete trust in Allah's wisdom and power is the surest path to victory and success, whether in spiritual or material struggles.
Related Ayahs
وَمَا جَعَلَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بُشْرَىٰ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ بِهِۦ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۚ وَمَا ٱلنَّصْرُ إِلَّا مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
And Allāh made it not but good tidings and so that your hearts would be assured thereby. And victory is not but from Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚ لَّهُمْ دَرَجَـٰتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ۙ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَـٰرَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ
And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.
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.