يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن تُطِيعُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَرُدُّوكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَـٰبِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا۟ خَـٰسِرِينَ 149
Translations
O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu in tutiu alladhina kafaru yaruddudum ala aaqabikum fataaqalibu khasirin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns the believers against obeying the disbelievers, as doing so would cause them to turn back from their faith and become losers in both this world and the Hereafter. Ibn Kathir explains that this addresses the temptation believers face to compromise their principles through the influence of those who reject Allah's message, emphasizing that following the disbelievers' guidance leads to spiritual ruin and abandonment of the straight path.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period within the context of Surah Ali 'Imran, which deals extensively with the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims following the Battle of Uhud. The ayah appears to address the aftermath of that battle and the internal doubts that arose among some believers, warning them against being swayed by the disbelievers' mockery or influence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of the one who follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah is like a tree that bears fruit, and the example of the one who does not follow them is like a tree that bears no fruit' (Sahih Bukhari). This reinforces the concept of not abandoning true guidance through following falsehood.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must guard themselves against the subtle influence of those who reject faith, as compromise with disbelief leads to spiritual regression and ultimate loss. The ayah teaches that true success lies in remaining firm upon Islamic principles rather than seeking approval from those opposed to Allah's deen.
Related Ayahs
قُلْ يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ عَلَىٰ مَا تَعْمَلُونَ
Say, "O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in the verses of Allāh while Allāh is Witness over what you do?"
فَرِحِينَ بِمَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَلْحَقُوا۟ بِهِم مِّنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلَّا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Rejoicing in what Allāh has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them - that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.
وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَجِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ
And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allāh and obey me.
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصْلَحُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Except for those who repent after that and correct themselves. For indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.