أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ 2
Translations
Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried?
Transliteration
Ahasiba an-nasu an yutrakoo an yaqooloo aamannaa wa hum laa yuftanoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah challenges the notion that merely claiming faith (saying 'we believe') is sufficient without being tested and proven. Allah questions whether people think they will be left untested—the trials and tribulations are essential to distinguish the sincere believers from the hypocrites. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that fitnah (trial/testing) is not punishment but rather a means of purification and verification of true faith, as implied in Surah Al-'Ankabut's overarching theme.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Ankabut was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of Muslims. This ayah sets the tone for the entire surah, which repeatedly emphasizes that belief must be accompanied by steadfastness through hardship. The surah's name itself (The Spider) is a metaphor for the fragility of false faith, establishing that genuine belief requires tested commitment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it' (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is not merely a verbal declaration but must be demonstrated through patience and perseverance during trials; believers should expect hardships as a natural part of their spiritual journey, viewing them as opportunities for spiritual growth and purification rather than signs of abandonment by Allah.
Related Ayahs
وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَـٰتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ ۖ قُلْ إِنَّمَا ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَإِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
But they say, "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The signs are only with Allāh, and I am only a clear warner."
وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا ۖ وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِى مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَآ ۚ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُۥٓ ۚ أَلَيْسَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَثْوًى لِّلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh or denies the truth when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a [sufficient] residence for the disbelievers?
ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
Who have been patient and upon their Lord rely.