۞ 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
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
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.
إِذْ يَقُولُ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمْ ۗ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
[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.
وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَإِنِّى جَارٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَرَآءَتِ ٱلْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ ٱللَّهَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allāh. And Allāh is severe in penalty."