Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:120 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 120
Arabic Text
اِنۡ تَمۡسَسۡكُمۡ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤۡهُمۡ وَاِنۡ تُصِبۡكُمۡ سَيِّئَةٌ يَّفۡرَحُوۡا بِهَاۚ وَاِنۡ تَصۡبِرُوۡا وَتَتَّقُوۡا لَا يَضُرُّكُمۡ كَيۡدُهُمۡ شَيْئًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ مُحِيۡطٌ
Transliteration
In tamsaskum hasanatun tasu/humwa-in tusibkum sayyi-atun yafrahoo bihawa-in tasbiroo watattaqoo la yadurrukumkayduhum shay-an inna Allaha bima yaAAmaloona muheet
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali Imran 3:120 reveals a profound truth about the psychology of enmity and the divine formula for protection from harm. Allah describes how enemies of believers react with grief when good befalls the faithful and with joy when misfortune strikes them. This verse exposes the inverted moral compass of those who oppose divine guidance - they derive sadness from others' happiness and pleasure from others' pain. The verse then provides the ultimate solution: 'If you remain patient (sabir) and have taqwa (God-consciousness), their cunning shall not harm you at all.' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, 'sabr' encompasses patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in faith, while 'taqwa' means being conscious of Allah in all circumstances and fearing only Him. These two qualities are repeatedly mentioned throughout the Quran as the panacea for all difficulties. The verse concludes with the powerful reminder that 'Allah encompasses everything they do' (inna Allaha bima ya'maluna muhit), meaning no scheme or plot escapes Allah's knowledge and control. This divine encompassment ensures that those who practice sabr and taqwa remain under Allah's protection, making all enemy plots ultimately ineffective against them.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 120 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 120
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why do enemies grieve when believers experience good and rejoice at their misfortunes?
This behavior reveals the inverted moral compass of those who oppose divine guidance. Enemies of believers possess hearts filled with envy, hatred, and resentment. When believers succeed, it contradicts their desire to see the faithful fail, causing them grief. When believers face difficulties, it aligns with their malicious wishes, bringing them joy. This reaction stems from spiritual corruption where one's heart becomes so darkened that they derive pleasure from others' pain and sadness from others' happiness.
❓How do patience (sabr) and taqwa provide divine protection from enemies' schemes?
Sabr and taqwa are the divine formula for protection because they connect believers directly to Allah's power and mercy. Sabr includes patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in faith during trials. Taqwa means being conscious of Allah and fearing only Him. When believers embody these qualities, they align themselves with divine will, making them recipients of Allah's protection. Their reliance shifts from worldly means to divine assistance, rendering enemy plots ineffective against Allah's encompassing power.
❓What does 'Allah encompasses everything they do' mean in practical terms?
The phrase 'inna Allaha bima ya'maluna muhit' means that Allah's knowledge, power, and control completely surround and contain all actions of those who plot against believers. Nothing they plan, scheme, or execute escapes Allah's awareness or control. This divine encompassment means that while enemies may plot, Allah ultimately determines what succeeds and what fails. Their schemes operate within Allah's permission and are limited by His will, ensuring that those under His protection cannot be truly harmed.
❓How should believers respond when they notice others' jealousy and resentment?
Believers should respond with sabr and taqwa rather than retaliation or fear. This means maintaining patience and kindness while strengthening their connection to Allah. They should not let others' negative emotions affect their own spiritual state or cause them to abandon righteous behavior. Instead of seeking revenge or becoming discouraged, believers should increase their remembrance of Allah, seek His protection, and continue doing good while trusting that Allah will handle their enemies' plots.
❓What is the relationship between sabr and taqwa in Islamic teachings?
Sabr and taqwa are complementary virtues that strengthen each other. Sabr provides the emotional and spiritual resilience needed to maintain taqwa during difficulties, while taqwa provides the divine consciousness that motivates one to practice sabr. Together, they create a complete spiritual defense system. Sabr handles the temporal challenges while taqwa maintains the connection to the eternal source of strength. The Quran repeatedly mentions them together as the key to success in both worldly and spiritual matters.
❓How does this verse relate to the Battle of Uhud mentioned in the surrounding context?
This verse was revealed in the context leading up to the discussion of the Battle of Uhud, where Muslims experienced both victory and temporary setback. The verse prepared believers for the reality that their enemies would rejoice at any Muslim difficulties and grieve at Muslim successes. During Uhud, when Muslims faced initial challenges, their enemies indeed celebrated. However, the ultimate lesson was that with sabr and taqwa, such temporary setbacks could not cause lasting harm to the Muslim community.
❓What practical steps can modern Muslims take to develop sabr and taqwa?
Modern Muslims can develop sabr through regular prayer, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), studying Quranic stories of patient prophets, and practicing gratitude during both easy and difficult times. Taqwa is developed by consistently following Islamic principles, avoiding sins, being mindful of Allah's presence in all actions, and seeking Islamic knowledge. Regular self-reflection, seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and surrounding oneself with righteous company also strengthen both qualities. The key is consistent practice rather than perfection.
❓How does this verse provide comfort to believers facing opposition or jealousy?
This verse provides immense comfort by validating believers' experiences and providing a divine guarantee of protection. It acknowledges that facing jealousy and opposition is normal for those on the right path, removing any self-doubt. The promise that 'their cunning shall not harm you at all' offers absolute assurance when coupled with sabr and taqwa. Knowing that Allah encompasses all their enemies' actions means believers can rest assured that no plot will succeed beyond what Allah permits for their ultimate benefit.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...