وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ 123
Translations
And already had Allāh given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were weak [i.e., few in number]. Then fear Allāh; perhaps you will be grateful.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad nasarakumu-Allahu bi-Badrin wa-antum adhillah. Fa-ttaqū-Allaha la'allakum tashkurūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reminds the Muslims of Allah's decisive victory at the Battle of Badr (2 AH), where a small, poorly equipped Muslim force of approximately 313 believers defeated the Meccan army of about 1000 through divine assistance. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that despite the Muslims' initial weakness and humiliation (adhillah) before Badr, Allah granted them victory as a sign of His power and support for the believers. The ayah concludes with an exhortation to piety and gratitude, implying that remembrance of Allah's favors should inspire righteous conduct and thanksgiving.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina after the Battle of Badr (2 AH), one of the most significant early Islamic military engagements. It appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran, which addresses lessons from the battles of Badr and Uhud. The ayah serves as both a historical reminder and a spiritual lesson to the Muslim community about divine support for the faithful.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari records detailed accounts of the Battle of Badr, including how the Prophet (ﷺ) made du'a for victory. Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best of you are those of my generation, then those who come after them' (Sahih Bukhari), referring partly to the sacrifice and virtue of the Badr companions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that victory comes from Allah alone, not from material superiority or worldly power, and that remembering divine favors should cultivate gratitude and heightened consciousness of God. For modern readers, it emphasizes that apparent weakness is no obstacle when one trusts in Allah and maintains piety, offering encouragement during times of difficulty.