۞ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٰفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ خَوَّانٍ كَفُورٍ 38
Translations
Indeed, Allāh defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allāh does not like everyone treacherous and ungrateful.
Transliteration
Inna Allaha yudafi'u 'ani alladhina amanu. Inna Allaha la yuhibbu kulla khawwana kafur.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah assures believers that Allah defends and protects those who have faith, establishing a covenant of divine protection for the faithful community. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret this protection as both spiritual (from misguidance) and physical (from enemies), while the second clause emphasizes that Allah despises those characterized by treachery (khiyanah) and ingratitude (kufr)—traits incompatible with true belief. The ayah reinforces the reciprocal relationship: genuine faith in Allah ensures His protection, while betrayal and ingratitude alienate oneself from divine favor.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during a period of conflict between the Muslim community and their opponents, this ayah contextualizes the Hajj pilgrimage as protected and sanctified. The surah addresses both spiritual dimensions of the pilgrimage and the believer's responsibility to maintain integrity; this ayah specifically reassures pilgrims that those with sincere faith will be guarded by Allah against harm and treachery.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better' (Tirmidhi). Also, 'The best provision is Taqwa (God-consciousness)' (Tirmidhi), reflecting the protection promised to the faithful who maintain their covenant with Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should find reassurance that sincere faith in Allah provides divine protection against both external harm and internal corruption, while also recognizing that this protection is contingent upon maintaining integrity and gratitude rather than betrayal. In modern contexts, this teaches that authentic faith manifests through trustworthiness and thankfulness, not merely verbal profession.