وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَٰنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلْإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 10
Translations
And [there is a share for] those who come after them, saying, "Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful."
Transliteration
Wa alladhīna jā'ū min ba'dihim yaqūlūna rabbanā ighfir lanā wa li-ikhwānināā alladhīna sabaqūnā bi-al-īmān wa lā taj'al fī qulūbinā ghillan li-alladhīna āmanū rabbanā innaka ra'ūfun rahīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the virtuous behavior of the later generations of believers (at-tābi'ūn and those after them) who make dua for forgiveness not only for themselves but also for the Companions who came before them, while harboring no resentment in their hearts toward any believers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this verse exemplifies the characteristic of a purified heart (qalb salīm) free from malice and envy, and demonstrates the spiritual unity of the Muslim ummah across generations. The believers' concern for both themselves and their predecessors shows the importance of maintaining brotherhood and supplicating for the entire community of faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Hashr, which was revealed after the exile of Banu Nadir in 4 AH. The surah discusses those who believed and migrated (the Muhajirūn), those who received them with hospitality (the Ansār), and now addresses the later believers who inherit this legacy of faith. The verse exemplifies the ideal spiritual state that should characterize all Muslims, emphasizing that faith is not merely an individual matter but a communal affair where each generation supports the spiritual well-being of previous generations.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: a righteous child who prays for him, ongoing charity, or knowledge that continues to benefit people' (Sahih Muslim 1631). Additionally, the hadith in Sunan Ibn Mājah emphasizes that supplicating for one's Muslim brothers in their absence is answered, as the angels say 'amin' (Amen) to such supplications.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true Islamic faith transcends individual salvation and embraces concern for the spiritual welfare of the entire Muslim community across time; our hearts should be free from grudges toward believers and our tongues should invoke divine mercy for both ourselves and those who came before us in faith. Modern Muslims are reminded that maintaining unity, suppressing envy, and interceding for one another are not optional virtues but essential characteristics of a sincere believer.