ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوْلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَأَنَّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ لَا مَوْلَىٰ لَهُمْ 11
Translations
That is because Allāh is the protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.
Transliteration
Dhālika bi-anna Allāha mawlā alladhīna āmanū wa-anna alkāfirīna lā mawlā lahum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah is the Protector, Helper, and Guardian (Mawlā) of those who believe, while the disbelievers have no such protector or guardian. Ibn Kathir explains this in the context of the believers' victory and the disbelievers' defeat, indicating that success in this life and the Hereafter depends entirely on Allah's support. Al-Qurtubi notes that mawlā carries multiple meanings—Master, Helper, Ally, and Supporter—all of which apply to Allah's relationship with the believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Muhammad (a Medinan chapter) within the broader context of discussing the outcomes of battles and conflicts between believers and disbelievers. It comes after verses discussing the conditions of Paradise and Hell, serving to remind believers of the ultimate distinction between the two groups based on their relationship with Allah.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever takes Allah as a guardian, and His Messenger, and those who have believed—indeed, the faction of Allah—they will be the predominant ones' (58:22). Also relevant is the general principle in Sahih Bukhari emphasizing reliance (tawakkul) on Allah alone.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should find comfort and security in knowing that Allah is their ultimate Protector and Guardian, regardless of worldly circumstances or opposition they face. This ayah teaches that true strength and support come not from numbers, wealth, or alliances, but from sincere faith in Allah and His complete guardianship over those who believe.
Related Ayahs
فَلَا تَهِنُوا۟ وَتَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلسَّلْمِ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَوْنَ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَكُمْ وَلَن يَتِرَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلَكُمْ
So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior; and Allāh is with you and will never deprive you of [the reward of] your deeds.
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ كَرِهُوا۟ مَا نَزَّلَ ٱللَّهُ سَنُطِيعُكُمْ فِى بَعْضِ ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ إِسْرَارَهُمْ
That is because they said to those who disliked what Allāh sent down, "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allāh knows what they conceal.
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَتَعْسًا لَّهُمْ وَأَضَلَّ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ
But those who disbelieve - for them is misery, and He will waste their deeds.
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَءَامَنُوا۟ بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۙ كَفَّرَ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِمْ وَأَصْلَحَ بَالَهُمْ
And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muḥammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He will remove from them their misdeeds and amend their condition.