ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ يُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ ۗ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 257
Translations
Allāh is the Ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve - their allies are ṭāghūt. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.
Transliteration
Allahu waliyy al-ladhina amanu yukhrijuhum min al-zulumati ila al-nur wa-al-ladhina kafaru awliyauhum al-taghut yukhrijunahum min al-nur ila al-zulumati ula'ika ashab al-nar hum fiha khalidun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah is the Protector (Wali) of those who believe, guiding them from darkness into light, while those who disbelieve have false protectors (taghut - idols, false deities, or tyrannical leaders) who lead them from light into darkness. This ayah establishes a fundamental contrast between the protection of Allah and the deception of false authorities, with those who follow falsehood destined for the eternal punishment of Hellfire. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that 'darkness' and 'light' represent spiritual ignorance and knowledge respectively, demonstrating the transformative power of authentic belief versus the ruinous consequences of disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Medinan period and appears in the context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of faith versus disbelief. While no specific asbab al-nuzul is unanimously recorded, it thematically follows discussions about those who reject faith and the consequences of their choices, serving as a warning to the community about false loyalties and the need to align oneself with Allah's guidance rather than worldly powers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever dies while associating partners with Allah will enter the Hellfire' (Sahih Bukhari 1237), which relates to the consequences of following taghut. Additionally, the hadith about the Straight Path in Sahih Muslim emphasizes Allah's guidance for believers, complementing the theme of being led toward light.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that true security and guidance come exclusively from Allah, not from worldly powers or false authorities, regardless of their appeal or influence. This ayah reminds us to continually evaluate our allegiances and to ensure we are following the light of divine guidance rather than succumbing to the darkness of false protectors.