هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ ٱلسَّكِينَةَ فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ لِيَزْدَادُوٓا۟ إِيمَـٰنًا مَّعَ إِيمَـٰنِهِمْ ۗ وَلِلَّهِ جُنُودُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا 4
Translations
It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith. And to Allāh belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and ever is Allāh Knowing and Wise.
Transliteration
Huwa alladhī anzala as-sakīnata fī qulūbi al-mu'minīna liyazdādū īmānan ma'a īmānihim wa-lillāhi junūdu as-samāwāti wa-al-ardi wa-kāna allāhu 'alīman hakīman
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah sent down tranquility (sakīnah) into the hearts of the believers, particularly during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, to increase their faith beyond their existing faith. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that sakīnah is a special calmness and peace that Allah grants to strengthen the believers' resolve and conviction. The ayah concludes by affirming Allah's complete sovereignty over all forces in the heavens and earth, and His infinite knowledge and wisdom in managing all affairs.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in the context of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH), when the Muslims were initially disappointed at not entering Mecca for 'Umrah. This ayah specifically refers to how Allah granted the believers peace of heart during this trial, transforming their apparent setback into a great victory. The sakīnah descended upon them at al-Hudaybiyyah, strengthening their resolve when they pledged allegiance to the Prophet (bayat ar-ridwān).
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 4118: The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the pledge at Hudaybiyyah, 'I have not seen people's faith increase as it did that day.' This directly illustrates the concept of believers' faith increasing (yazdādū īmānan) as mentioned in the ayah. Additionally, Sahih Muslim 1856 contains hadiths about tranquility (sakīnah) descending upon believers in times of fear.
Themes
Key Lesson
Allah's provision of inner peace and tranquility is a sign of His mercy and a means to strengthen faith during trials and uncertainties. Modern believers can draw comfort knowing that challenges are often vehicles for spiritual growth, and that seeking Allah's help during difficult times brings a peace that transcends circumstances.
Related Ayahs
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى كَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ عَنْهُم بِبَطْنِ مَكَّةَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَنْ أَظْفَرَكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا
And it is He who withheld their hands from you and your hands from them within [the area of] Makkah after He caused you to overcome them. And ever is Allāh, of what you do, Seeing.
وَأُخْرَىٰ لَمْ تَقْدِرُوا۟ عَلَيْهَا قَدْ أَحَاطَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرًا
And [He promises] other [victories] that you were [so far] unable to [realize] which Allāh has already encompassed. And ever is Allāh, over all things, competent.
۞ لَّقَدْ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ يُبَايِعُونَكَ تَحْتَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ فَعَلِمَ مَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَنزَلَ ٱلسَّكِينَةَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَثَـٰبَهُمْ فَتْحًا قَرِيبًا
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
إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا
Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest