يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ خُذُوا۟ حِذْرَكُمْ فَٱنفِرُوا۟ ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ ٱنفِرُوا۟ جَمِيعًا 71
Translations
O you who have believed, take your precaution and [either] go forth in companies or go forth all together.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu khudhu hidhrakum fa-infiru thubaatin awi infiru jami'an
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to take precaution and vigilance in matters of faith and military expeditions, instructing them to mobilize either in organized groups (thubaatin - in detachments) or all together as one force. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse teaches believers to be prepared and strategic in defending Islam, combining both careful planning with decisive action. The instruction reflects wisdom in military matters while maintaining the principle that defense of the faith is a collective responsibility.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period when the Muslim community faced military threats and was developing defensive strategies against their adversaries. This verse is part of a broader section in Surah An-Nisa addressing the conduct of believers in times of conflict and struggle, reflecting the historical context of the early Muslim state's need to organize and defend itself.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi) - relating to the protective duty. Also relevant: 'Whoever dies without having fought or intended to fight has died with a branch of hypocrisy' (Muslim) - emphasizing the importance of readiness and commitment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers the importance of being prepared and strategic in protecting their faith and community while maintaining unity—whether through coordinated group efforts or unified collective action, success comes through careful planning combined with decisive commitment to shared values.
Related Ayahs
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَمَن يَلْعَنِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ نَصِيرًا
Those are the ones whom Allāh has cursed; and he whom Allāh curses - never will you find for him a helper.
فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا
For those it is expected that Allāh will pardon them, and Allāh is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا
O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allāh and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.
إِن تَجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَبَآئِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَنُدْخِلْكُم مُّدْخَلًا كَرِيمًا
If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise].