ٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ 16
Translations
Those who say, "Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire,"
Transliteration
Alladhīna yaqūlūna Rabbanā innā āmannā faghfir lanā dhunūbanā wa-qinā 'adhāba an-nār
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of the believers who sincerely acknowledge their faith in Allah and humbly beseech Him for forgiveness of their sins and protection from Hellfire. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse illustrates the fundamental attributes of true believers: sincere testimony of faith (īmān), recognition of human fallibility, and constant supplication to Allah seeking His mercy and protection from divine punishment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the opening of Surah Ali 'Imran (3:16-17) within a passage describing the characteristics of the righteous believers (al-muttaqūn) and the pious servants of Allah. It is part of a broader Medinan context addressing the Muslim community about the qualities that distinguish true believers and their relationship with Allah through constant remembrance and supplication.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of 'Arafah, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone, without partner...' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness: 'All the children of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent' (Sunan Ibn Mājah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but includes constant awareness of one's shortcomings and sincere, humble supplication to Allah for forgiveness and protection. It encourages believers to balance between hope in Allah's mercy and awareness of accountability, fostering a dynamic spiritual relationship characterized by repentance and earnest prayer.
Related Ayahs
إِذْ هَمَّت طَّآئِفَتَانِ مِنكُمْ أَن تَفْشَلَا وَٱللَّهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا ۗ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ
When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allāh was their ally; and upon Allāh the believers should rely.
أَفَغَيْرَ دِينِ ٱللَّهِ يَبْغُونَ وَلَهُۥٓ أَسْلَمَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ
So is it other than the religion of Allāh they desire, while to Him have submitted [all] those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him they will be returned?
يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْوَدَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ أَكَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَـٰنِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
On the Day [some] faces will turn white and [some] faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black, [to them it will be said], "Did you disbelieve [i.e., reject faith] after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject."
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّـٰصِرِينَ
They are the ones whose deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and for them there will be no helpers.