۞ وَإِن جَنَحُوا۟ لِلسَّلْمِ فَٱجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ 61
Translations
And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allāh. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Transliteration
Wa-in janaḥū li-s-salmi fa-jnaḥ lahā wa-tawakkal ʿalā-llāh. Innahu huwa s-samīʿ al-ʿalīm.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to respond positively if the enemy inclines towards peace, establishing that Muslims should accept peaceful resolution of conflicts when offered. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize this as a directive for Muslims to be proactive in seeking peace while maintaining trust in Allah's wisdom and protection. The ayah balances martial readiness with a strong preference for peaceful resolution, reflecting Islamic ethics of warfare.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period during the early Islamic conflicts with Quraysh. It contextualizes the rules of engagement for Muslims, coming after detailed instructions about warfare and spoils in Surah Al-Anfal. The broader context shows how Muslims should conduct themselves in war—with justice, restraint, and a genuine openness to peace when the enemy extends it.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), reflecting the value placed on kindness. Additionally, the Prophet emphasized peacemaking, stating: 'Shall I not inform you of something better than fasting, prayer, and charity? Making peace between people, for enmity and hatred destroys good deeds' (Sunan Abu Dawud 4919).
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are commanded to actively pursue peace when offered by their adversaries, recognizing that true strength lies not only in military capability but in the wisdom to choose reconciliation. This teaches modern believers to overcome pride and enmity when opportunities for peaceful resolution arise, while maintaining complete reliance on Allah's guidance and protection.
Related Ayahs
فَلَمْ تَقْتُلُوهُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ ۚ وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَمَىٰ ۚ وَلِيُبْلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْهُ بَلَآءً حَسَنًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And you did not kill them, but it was Allāh who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muḥammad], when you threw, but it was Allāh who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.
وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ سَبَقُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ لَا يُعْجِزُونَ
And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allāh].
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.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.