۞ لَّقَدْ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ يُبَايِعُونَكَ تَحْتَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ فَعَلِمَ مَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَنزَلَ ٱلسَّكِينَةَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَثَـٰبَهُمْ فَتْحًا قَرِيبًا 18
Translations
Certainly was Allāh pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muḥammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest
Transliteration
Laqad radiya Allahu 'ani al-mu'minina idh yubaya'unaka tahta ash-shajarah fa'alima ma fi qulubihim fa-anzala as-sakinata 'alayhim wa-ath'abahum fathan qariba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Pledge of al-Ridwan at Hudaybiyyah (6 AH), when approximately 1,400 believers pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad under a tree, accepting whatever terms he would accept regarding the journey to Makkah. Allah's pleasure with them is affirmed, and He revealed tranquility upon their hearts while they swore their oath, knowing their sincere intentions. Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this pledge became one of the most honored moments in Islamic history, and Allah rewarded their steadfastness with the subsequent conquest of Khaybar and the promise of Makkah's opening.
Revelation Context
Revealed in the context of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when the Prophet and his companions were prevented from entering Makkah by the Quraysh. The Bedouin initially hesitated to pledge, but after the Prophet himself took the oath under the tree, all 1,400+ companions followed in unwavering loyalty. This moment demonstrated their absolute trust in the Prophet despite apparent worldly setback.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4156): 'Umar ibn al-Khattab reported that the Prophet said to those under the tree: 'You are the best of the people.' Also, Muslim (1856) records that this pledge was taken with full consciousness that they pledged unto death (bay'at ar-ridwan).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that sincerity of heart and unwavering commitment to faith, even in difficult circumstances, earn Allah's pleasure and bring spiritual peace. Our steadfastness in difficult times with sincere intention positions us for ultimate victory, even when worldly outcomes initially seem unfavorable.
Related Ayahs
سَيَقُولُ ٱلْمُخَلَّفُونَ إِذَا ٱنطَلَقْتُمْ إِلَىٰ مَغَانِمَ لِتَأْخُذُوهَا ذَرُونَا نَتَّبِعْكُمْ ۖ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُبَدِّلُوا۟ كَلَـٰمَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قُل لَّن تَتَّبِعُونَا كَذَٰلِكُمْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَسَيَقُولُونَ بَلْ تَحْسُدُونَنَا ۚ بَلْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
Those who remained behind will say when you set out toward the war booty to take it, "Let us follow you." They wish to change the words of Allāh. Say, "Never will you follow us. Thus did Allāh say before." So they will say, "Rather, you envy us." But [in fact] they were not understanding except a little.
لِّتُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَتُعَزِّرُوهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوهُ وَتُسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
That you [people] may believe in Allāh and His Messenger and honor him and respect him [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ)] and exalt Him [i.e., Allāh] morning and afternoon.
إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ شَـٰهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا
Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner
لَّيْسَ عَلَى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ حَرَجٌ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلْأَعْرَجِ حَرَجٌ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلْمَرِيضِ حَرَجٌ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ يُدْخِلْهُ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ ۖ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّ يُعَذِّبْهُ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
There is not upon the blind any guilt or upon the lame any guilt or upon the ill any guilt [for remaining behind]. And whoever obeys Allāh and His Messenger - He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow; but whoever turns away - He will punish him with a painful punishment.