وَلَوْ أَنَّا كَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَنِ ٱقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ أَوِ ٱخْرُجُوا۟ مِن دِيَـٰرِكُم مَّا فَعَلُوهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ مِّنْهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ فَعَلُوا۟ مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِۦ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ تَثْبِيتًا 66
Translations
And if We had decreed upon them, "Kill yourselves" or "Leave your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. But if they had done what they were instructed, it would have been better for them and a firmer position [for them in faith].
Transliteration
Wa-law anna katabna 'alayhim ani qtulu anfusakum awi khruju min diyarikum ma fa'aluh illa qalilun minhum wa-law annahum fa'alu ma yu'izun bih lakana khayran lahum wa-ashadda tathbita
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah illustrates the severe reluctance and disobedience of certain people (hypocrites and weak believers) by presenting a hypothetical: even if Allah had commanded them with the most difficult orders—to kill themselves or leave their homes—very few would have obeyed. However, the actual commands they receive (regarding obedience, charity, and righteousness) are far easier, yet they still resist. Ibn Kathir explains this as a rebuke to those who make excuses for not following the lighter obligations of Islam, emphasizing that their spiritual weakness is the real barrier, not the difficulty of the commands.
Revelation Context
This ayah is situated within the Medinan period of Surah An-Nisa, which addresses the Muslim community's social order and obedience. The ayah specifically addresses hypocrites (munafiqun) and those of weak faith who were present in Medina, using rhetorical contrast to expose their pretenses and lack of sincere commitment to Allah's guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The strongest of you in faith are those who obey Allah most in what He has commanded' (related to obedience themes in Tirmidhi collections). Also relevant: 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari 13), highlighting the value of sincere obedience.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to examine their hearts: if we struggle to obey Allah's reasonable commands, we should recognize this as a sign of weak faith rather than blame external circumstances. The path to strengthening our deen lies not in seeking easier obligations, but in purifying our intentions and genuinely submitting to Allah's will with sincere hearts.