فَلَا تَهِنُوا۟ وَتَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلسَّلْمِ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَوْنَ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَكُمْ وَلَن يَتِرَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلَكُمْ 35
Translations
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.
Transliteration
Fala tahnu wa tadAAu ila alssalmi waantumu alaaAAalawna wallahu maAAakum walan yatirrakum aAAmalakum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers not to weaken or incline toward peace while they hold the upper hand in battle against their enemies, assuring them of Allah's support and that He will not leave their deeds unrewarded. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as divine encouragement to maintain strength and resolve when facing adversaries, while the promise that 'Allah is with you' emphasizes divine assistance in righteous struggle. The phrase 'He will not waste your deeds' reassures believers that their sacrifices and efforts in the path of Allah will be fully compensated.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Madinah during the period of armed conflict between the Muslims and their enemies. This specific ayah addresses the Muslim warriors at a time when they had achieved military superiority, warning them against premature capitulation or weakness that might embolden their adversaries. It forms part of the broader Medinan discourse on jihad and establishing the Islamic state.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are the best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), related thematically to strength combined with justice. Additionally, Surah Al-Anfal 8:65 complements this theme: 'O Prophet, urge the believers to battle.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should maintain steadfastness and resolve when they possess strength and advantage, trusting in Allah's support and knowing their efforts will not be wasted. This teaches the importance of balanced courage—neither premature surrender nor arrogance—while relying on divine aid and justice.