رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ 8
Translations
[Who say], "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.
Transliteration
Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana ba'da idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmatan innaka anta al-wahhab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah represents a supplication of the believers asking Allah not to cause their hearts to deviate after He has guided them, and to grant them mercy from His presence. Ibn Kathir explains that this du'a reflects the believers' awareness of the fragility of the heart and their complete dependence on Allah for steadfastness (istiqamah), while acknowledging that Allah alone is the Supreme Giver (al-Wahhab). Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this verse teaches Muslims to continuously seek Allah's protection from spiritual misguidance, as even guidance can be withdrawn if one becomes heedless.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of faith, belief, and the qualities of the God-conscious (al-muttaqun). It follows the description of those who believe in the unseen and establish prayer, representing the supplication of believers who have recognized Allah's guidance and now seek steadfastness. The surah addresses the People of the Book and emphasizes the importance of firm faith during the Medinan period when the Muslim community faced various challenges.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The heart is between two of the Fingers of the Most Merciful; He turns it as He wishes' (Sahih Muslim 2654). Additionally, the Prophet frequently made du'a: 'O Changer of hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3522), which directly relates to this ayah's concern about heart deviation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that guidance is a continuous blessing requiring constant supplication and mindfulness, rather than a one-time achievement; we must regularly seek Allah's help in maintaining our faith and protecting our hearts from deviation. It reminds us that reliance on Allah's mercy and recognition of His boundless generosity is essential for spiritual perseverance in modern life, where distractions and temptations constantly challenge our commitment.