وَلَقَدْ كُنتُمْ تَمَنَّوْنَ ٱلْمَوْتَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَلْقَوْهُ فَقَدْ رَأَيْتُمُوهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ 143
Translations
And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.
Transliteration
Wa laqad kuntum tamannawna al-mawta min qablu an talqawhu faqad ra'aytumuh wa antum tanẓurun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the believers at the Battle of Uhud, reminding them that they had previously wished for martyrdom (in defense of Islam), and now they were witnessing death directly in battle. Ibn Kathir explains this as a rebuke to those who had eagerly desired martyrdom but showed fear when actually facing it, highlighting the gap between theoretical desire and practical courage. Al-Qurtubi notes the ayah serves to encourage steadfastness by reminding them they had already expressed willingness to sacrifice their lives for Allah's cause.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE), the second major battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh. It refers to the believers' earlier enthusiasm for fighting in Allah's path and their wish for martyrdom, contrasting with some who showed hesitation when faced with actual combat. The surah addresses lessons from this battle regarding faith, steadfastness, and obedience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of the martyrs is Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, hadith regarding the rewards of martyrs is relevant: 'The martyr does not feel the pain of death except like how one feels the prick of a thorn' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true faith is demonstrated through action and perseverance when tested, not merely through words and desires expressed in comfortable circumstances. Believers should ensure their commitment to Islamic principles is genuine and unwavering when faced with actual difficulties and hardship.