إِن يَمْسَسْكُمْ قَرْحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ ٱلْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ ۚ وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنكُمْ شُهَدَآءَ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 140
Translations
If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allāh may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allāh does not like the wrongdoers -
Transliteration
In yamsaskum qarhun faqad massa al-qawma qarhun mithluhu wa-tilka al-ayyamu nudawwiluha bayna al-nasi wa-liyaʿlama Allahu alladhina amanu wa-yattakhidha minkum shuhada wa-Allahu la yuhibbu al-zalimin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah consoles the believers after the Battle of Uhud, assuring them that just as they experienced a wound (military defeat), the disbelievers previously experienced similar wounds, establishing that victories and defeats alternate among people according to Allah's wisdom. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the ayah emphasizes that these alternating circumstances serve divine purposes: to distinguish the true believers from hypocrites and to produce martyrs (shahada) whose sacrifice purifies the ummah. Al-Qurtubi notes that Allah's justice is evident in this alternation, as He does not grant sustained victory to the oppressors.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period following the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), where the Muslims initially gained advantage but ultimately suffered defeat due to archers abandoning their positions. The surah addresses the believers' grief and loss of approximately 70 companions, providing theological context for understanding trials and tribulations as part of Allah's plan for testing and refinement of faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'Martyrs are alive with their Lord, receiving provision' (Sahih Muslim 1887), relating to the creation of martyrs mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Worldly setbacks and difficulties are not signs of Allah's displeasure but rather opportunities for spiritual growth, distinguishing sincere believers from those of weak faith, and producing exemplary sacrifice. Muslims should maintain perspective that life's victories and losses are temporary, cyclical, and purposeful, encouraging resilience through hardship and trust in Allah's ultimate wisdom and justice.