إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا 1
Translations
Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest
Transliteration
Inna fatahna laka fathan mubina
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), declaring that He has granted him a clear and manifest victory. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which appeared as a setback but ultimately proved to be a great opening for Islam's expansion. The word 'fatah' (opening/victory) encompasses both spiritual triumph and the practical territorial and diplomatic gains that followed.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in the year 6 AH, when the Muslims were initially disappointed by the treaty's terms. However, Allah revealed this surah to console the Prophet and believers, reframing this apparent compromise as a decisive victory that would lead to the conquest of Mecca two years later and the rapid spread of Islam.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari narrates that the Prophet said regarding Hudaybiyyah: 'By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, it is a victory.' Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah records that the Prophet described this treaty as the greatest opening (fatah) because it brought Muslims and disbelievers into direct contact, leading to many conversions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that apparent setbacks and delays in achieving goals may actually be blessings in disguise when they serve Allah's greater plan. It encourages trust in divine wisdom even when circumstances seem unfavorable, reminding us that victory takes many forms and Allah's timing is always perfect.