وَإِذَا كُنتَ فِيهِمْ فَأَقَمْتَ لَهُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَلْتَقُمْ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنْهُم مَّعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوٓا۟ أَسْلِحَتَهُمْ فَإِذَا سَجَدُوا۟ فَلْيَكُونُوا۟ مِن وَرَآئِكُمْ وَلْتَأْتِ طَآئِفَةٌ أُخْرَىٰ لَمْ يُصَلُّوا۟ فَلْيُصَلُّوا۟ مَعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوا۟ حِذْرَهُمْ وَأَسْلِحَتَهُمْ ۗ وَدَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْ تَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَسْلِحَتِكُمْ وَأَمْتِعَتِكُمْ فَيَمِيلُونَ عَلَيْكُم مَّيْلَةً وَٰحِدَةً ۚ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِن كَانَ بِكُمْ أَذًى مِّن مَّطَرٍ أَوْ كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰٓ أَن تَضَعُوٓا۟ أَسْلِحَتَكُمْ ۖ وَخُذُوا۟ حِذْرَكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا 102
Translations
And when you [i.e., the commander of an army] are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allāh has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
Transliteration
Wa-idha kunta feehim fa-aqamta lahumu as-salata fal-taqum taifahun minhum ma'ak wa-liya'khudhu aslihataham fa-idha sajadu fal-yakunu min waraaikum wa-ltat'ti taifahun ukhra lam yasllu fal-yasllu ma'aka wa-lya'khudhu hidhrahum wa-aslihataham, waddallatheen kafaru law taghflun 'an aslihatikim wa-amta'atikim fayamilun 'alaikum maylatah wahidah, wa-la junaha 'alaikum in kana bikum adhan min matarin aw kuntum mardhа an tad'u aslihatakami wa-khudhu hidhrakum, inna Allaha a'adda lil-kafireen adhabanmuheenan.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the ruling for Salat al-Khawf (Prayer during fear/danger), instructing believers to maintain vigilance and security while performing prayer in war or hostile conditions. The congregation divides into two groups: one group prays with the leader while the other stands guard with weapons, then they alternate. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this demonstrates the balance between fulfilling religious obligations and preserving the Muslim community's safety, with Allah permitting the omission of weapons only in cases of severe hardship like heavy rain or illness.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed during the Medinan period when the Muslim community faced constant military threats. It likely pertains to campaigns during the Prophet's lifetime, particularly the expeditions where Muslims needed to maintain alert security while fulfilling their religious duties. The ayah addresses the practical realities of a community in active conflict while emphasizing that security consciousness does not diminish religious obligation.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Salat al-Khawf during the Battle of Dhatus-Salasil, with one group standing guard while the other prayed. Muslim scholars cite this as the practical implementation of this ayah's instruction.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that fulfilling religious obligations and maintaining vigilance are not contradictory but complementary duties; believers should serve their Creator while remaining prudent guardians of their faith community and families.