وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ نَافَقُوا۟ ۚ وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ قَـٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوِ ٱدْفَعُوا۟ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَوْ نَعْلَمُ قِتَالًا لَّٱتَّبَعْنَـٰكُمْ ۗ هُمْ لِلْكُفْرِ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْهُمْ لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ ۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَكْتُمُونَ 167
Translations
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allāh or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] battle, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allāh is most knowing of what they conceal -
Transliteration
Wa liyaʿlama alladhīna nāfaqū wa qīla lahum taʿālaw qātilū fī sabīli allāhi awi dafaʿū qālū law naʿlamu qitālan lattabaʿnākum hum lilkufri yawmaʾidhin aqrabu min-hum lil-īmān yaqūlūna bi-afwāhihim mā laysa fī qulūbihim wa-allāhu aʿlamu bi-mā yaktumūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the hypocrisy (nifāq) of the munāfiqūn (hypocrites) who, when called to fight in the way of Allah or contribute financially, made excuses claiming ignorance of warfare, thereby exposing their disbelief. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this verse reveals how the hypocrites spoke falsehoods with their mouths while harboring kufr in their hearts, contradicting any genuine Islamic commitment. The ayah emphasizes that Allah knows all that they conceal, highlighting His complete knowledge of their hidden intentions.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period regarding events at the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), where hypocrites refused to participate in the defense of Medina and made excuses. The broader context of Surah Ali 'Imran discusses the trials of the Muslim community, the reality of hypocrites among them, and the characteristics that distinguish believers from disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said: 'The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when he is entrusted, he betrays' (Sahih Bukhari 33). Additionally, Surah At-Tawbah 9:101 and related narrations describe how hypocrites were identified by their refusal to participate in jihad.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith must be reflected in both word and deed, and believers should examine their intentions to ensure their external actions match their inner commitment to Islam. Sincerity in faith is tested through willingness to sacrifice for Allah's dīn, and we must remember that Allah sees and knows what we conceal in our hearts.