ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ ۚ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ 96
Translations
Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. We are most knowing of what they describe.
Transliteration
Iftadʿ bil-latī hiya aḥsan al-sayyiʾah. Naḥnu aʿlam bimā yaṣifūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) and believers to repel evil with what is better—meaning to respond to harm, insults, and aggression with patience, good character, and kind words. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a directive to transform enmity into reconciliation through moral excellence, while Allah assures that He is fully aware of all the false accusations and slanders the disbelievers level against the believers. This principle embodies the Islamic ethic of spiritual superiority through virtuous conduct rather than retaliation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is situated within the Meccan period when the Prophet and early Muslims faced intense persecution, mockery, and verbal abuse from the Quraysh. The surah Al-Mu'minun emphasizes the characteristics of true believers, and this verse provides guidance on how to maintain moral integrity and faith when confronted with hostility. It reflects the broader Meccan theme of patience and forbearance in the face of opposition.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger' (Sahih Bukhari 5763). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet said: 'Gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not withdrawn from anything except that it diminishes it' (Sahih Muslim 2594).
Themes
Key Lesson
In facing conflict, criticism, or wrongdoing, Muslims are called to elevate their response through kindness and wisdom rather than retaliation, trusting that Allah witnesses all injustice and will ultimately establish justice. This teaches that true strength lies in self-control and virtue, and that overcoming evil with good is the path to both personal dignity and social healing.