فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا ٱطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبًا مَّوْقُوتًا 103
Translations
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allāh standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
Transliteration
Fa-iza qadaytumu as-salata fadhkuru Allaha qiyaman wa quAAudan wa AAala junubikum fa-iza itma-annantum fa-aqimu as-salata inna as-salata kanat AAala al-mu/minina kitaban mawqutan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah instructs believers to remember Allah in all states—standing, sitting, and lying on their sides—after completing the obligatory prayers, and to resume prayer once they feel secure and at ease. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse establishes the continuity of remembrance of Allah (dhikr) throughout all circumstances and postures, while also emphasizing that prayer is a binding obligation with specific appointed times (mawqut). The verse reflects the Quranic principle that prayer anchors a believer's relationship with Allah amid the trials and uncertainties of life, particularly in the context of the early Muslim community facing persecution.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Madinah during a period when Muslims faced constant threats and were commanded to maintain vigilance during prayer, particularly in times of military conflict and danger. The surah An-Nisa addresses social order and rights within the Muslim community, and this ayah contextualizes prayer as both a spiritual obligation and a means of maintaining steadfastness during hardship. It follows guidance on shortened prayers during travel and fear.
Related Hadiths
1) Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi report that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of deeds is prayer at its prescribed time.' 2) Sahih Muslim records that 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet would remember Allah in all his states and positions.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate constant awareness of Allah in all circumstances and positions of life, viewing prayer not as a burdensome ritual but as an anchor of stability and spiritual strength during uncertain times. This teaches that worship adapts to circumstances—whether in ease or difficulty—while maintaining unwavering commitment to the obligations Allah has prescribed.