لَّقَدْ صَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ رَسُولَهُ ٱلرُّءْيَا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ لَتَدْخُلُنَّ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ ۖ فَعَلِمَ مَا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوا۟ فَجَعَلَ مِن دُونِ ذَٰلِكَ فَتْحًا قَرِيبًا 27
Translations
Certainly has Allāh showed to His Messenger the vision [i.e., dream] in truth. You will surely enter al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, if Allāh wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened, not fearing [anyone]. He knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near [at hand].
Transliteration
Laqad sadaqallahu rasulahu al-ru'ya bil-haqq, latadkhulunna al-masjid al-haram in sha'allah aminin muhaliqin ru'usikum wa muqassirin la takhafun, fa'alima ma lam ta'alamu, faja'ala min duni dhalika fathan qariban.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah fulfilled His promise to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the true vision he saw, in which he and his companions would enter the Sacred Mosque in security. This ayah assures the believers that despite their current impediment from entering Mecca, Allah's promise is certain—they will enter the mosque in peace, shaving or shortening their hair as pilgrims do. Ibn Kathir notes that Allah knew what the believers did not know (the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and its ultimate benefits), and therefore granted them a near victory in the form of the peaceful treaty itself, which proved more advantageous than immediate military conquest.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH), when the Prophet and his 1,400-1,500 companions were turned back from performing 'Umrah. The believers were disappointed at being prevented from entering Mecca, but this ayah reassured them that Allah's promise would be fulfilled—a promise that was realized the following year when Muslims peacefully entered Mecca.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari: The hadith of the dream vision (ru'ya) in which the Prophet saw himself and his companions entering the Masjid al-Haram, which was fulfilled at the 'Umrah of the following year. Also relevant: Muslim's hadith on the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, where 'Umar ibn al-Khattab expressed doubt about the treaty's terms, but the Prophet reassured the companions of its ultimate benefit.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that delays and apparent setbacks in achieving righteous goals are often part of Allah's greater wisdom and plan—what seems like a barrier may be a means to greater blessing. It encourages unwavering trust in Allah's promises and reminds us that He knows what is ultimately beneficial for us, even when our limited understanding cannot perceive it.