فَإِنْ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ مَآ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِى شِقَاقٍ ۖ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ 137
Translations
So if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and Allāh will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Transliteration
Fa-in āmanū bi-mithli mā āmantum bih, faqadi ihtadaw. Wa-in tawall, fa-innamā hum fī shiqāq. Fasayakfīkahum Allāh. Wa-huwa as-Samī'u al-'Alīm.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the believers' response to those who reject Islam, instructing them that if the disbelievers believe in what the Muslims believe (i.e., accept Islam), they will be rightly guided. However, if they turn away and persist in opposition and discord (shiqāq), Allah will suffice against them, as He hears and knows all things. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this verse emphasizes divine protection for the believers and establishes that guidance is offered equally to all, with the consequence of rejection being alienation and ultimate defeat by God's will.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a Medinan passage dealing with the relationship between Muslims and People of the Book, particularly in the context of differing beliefs about prophets and revelation. It follows discussions about Abraham and the variety of religious positions, reflecting the early Islamic community's engagement with Jewish and Christian populations in Medina.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to Surah Al-'Imrān 3:64 and the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said, 'The best speech is the Book of Allah,' emphasizing the importance of unified faith. Additionally, hadith on divine sufficiency (kifāyah) in Sahih Muslim illustrates Allah's protection of believers against their enemies.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to present faith clearly while trusting in Allah's ultimate justice and protection against those who reject truth; it reminds us that guidance is offered to all, but the choice and its consequences rest with individuals, and our duty is to convey the message with wisdom, leaving the final judgment to Allah.