فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ تَوَّابًۢا 3
Translations
Then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of Repentance.
Transliteration
Fasabbih bihamdi rabbika wastaghfirh; innahu kana tawwaba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This final ayah of Surah An-Nasr commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to glorify and praise Allah and seek His forgiveness, emphasizing that Allah is At-Tawwab (The Ever-Returning to Mercy), who accepts repentance abundantly. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as a directive for all believers to maintain constant remembrance of Allah and seek forgiveness, recognizing that despite the great victory granted, reliance must remain on divine mercy and continuous repentance rather than pride in worldly achievement.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nasr was revealed late in the Meccan or early Medinan period, likely in the 9th year of Hijrah as the Muslims achieved major victories. This final ayah contextualizes the preceding verses about the opening of hearts to Islam: material victory is meaningless without spiritual devotion, glorification of Allah, and humble seeking of forgiveness—establishing the spiritual foundation upon which true success rests.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best supplication is seeking forgiveness (istighfar)' - reported in Jami' At-Tirmidhi. Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet frequently said 'Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika' (Glory be to You, O Allah, and with Your praise) - Sahih Muslim.
Themes
Key Lesson
True success in life—whether spiritual or material—must be accompanied by constant gratitude, praise of Allah, and humble seeking of His forgiveness. This teaches believers that achievement without piety is hollow, and that maintaining a repentant, humble heart before Allah is the essence of lasting triumph.