Aal-i-Imraan 3:127
Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Verse 127 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:127 reveals Allah's divine wisdom in dealing with enemies of truth, stating 'That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or disgrace them so that they turn back disappointed.' According to classical tafsir, this verse explains the various outcomes Allah decrees for those who oppose His message and oppress believers. The phrase 'liyaqta'a tarafan' (cut off a part) refers to destroying a portion of the disbelieving forces, reducing their numbers, territory, wealth, or influence. The alternative consequence 'yakbitahum' (disgrace them) involves humiliating defeat that forces enemies to retreat in shame without achieving their goals. The word 'kha'ibeen' (disappointed/frustrated) emphasizes complete failure of their hostile intentions. Islamic scholars explain this verse establishes that Allah's justice operates through multiple means - sometimes through direct defeat of oppressors, other times through gradual weakening of their power and influence. This divine pattern provides comfort to believers facing overwhelming opposition, knowing that Allah's wisdom determines the ultimate fate of both truth and falsehood, ensuring that enemies of justice will not succeed indefinitely regardless of their apparent temporary strength.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
لِيَقۡطَعَ طَرَفًا مِّنَ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡۤا اَوۡ يَكۡبِتَهُمۡ فَيَنۡقَلِبُوۡا خَآٮِٕبِيۡنَ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
LiyaqtaAAa tarafan mina allatheenakafaroo aw yakbitahum fayanqaliboo kha-ibeen
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 127
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Ali 'Imran 3:127?
Ali 'Imran 3:127 explains Allah's wisdom in dealing with enemies of truth: 'That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or disgrace them so that they turn back disappointed.' The verse describes two possible divine outcomes for those who oppose Allah's message - either partial destruction of their forces (cutting off a part) or humiliating defeat that forces them to retreat in shame. Classical tafsir explains this as divine justice operating through multiple means to weaken forces of falsehood and protect believers.
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
This verse was revealed as part of the lessons from the Battle of Uhud, explaining the divine wisdom behind Allah's promise of angelic support. According to classical commentators, it addresses why Allah allows struggle and conflict rather than immediately destroying all enemies of truth. The verse came to clarify that divine justice works gradually and purposefully, sometimes through direct confrontation, other times through gradual weakening of opposing forces, always according to Allah's perfect wisdom.
❓What is the significance of the phrase 'cut off a part' (liyaqta'a tarafan)?
The phrase 'liyaqta'a tarafan' (cut off a part) refers to Allah's method of gradually weakening forces of disbelief through various means. According to classical tafsir, this can involve reducing their numbers through defeat, diminishing their territory, decreasing their wealth through loss of spoils, or limiting their influence and power. The word 'taraf' (part/edge) suggests that Allah typically doesn't destroy entire populations at once but rather weakens them systematically, allowing opportunities for reflection and potential repentance.
❓What jurisprudential principles derive from this verse about divine justice?
This verse establishes several key principles: First, divine justice operates through both direct punishment and gradual consequences. Second, Allah's wisdom determines the timing and method of dealing with oppressors. Third, believers should trust in Allah's ultimate justice even when enemies appear to prosper temporarily. Fourth, the purpose of divine intervention is not merely punishment but also providing opportunities for enemies to recognize their error and potentially repent. Fifth, the verse demonstrates that Allah's justice serves both retributive and protective functions for the believing community.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse continues Ali 'Imran's theme of divine wisdom in adversity and the relationship between divine decree and human responsibility. It connects to the surah's lessons about the Battle of Uhud, showing how apparent setbacks serve larger divine purposes. The verse reinforces the surah's message that believers should maintain trust in Allah's wisdom during trials, understanding that divine justice operates according to perfect knowledge and timing, not human expectations or impatience.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches trust in divine justice when facing oppression, patience with Allah's timing in addressing injustice, and understanding that Allah's methods may differ from human expectations. It cultivates confidence that no oppressor will ultimately succeed against truth, wisdom in recognizing that divine justice serves multiple purposes including opportunities for repentance, and reassurance that Allah actively protects believers even when His methods aren't immediately apparent. The verse also teaches humility by reminding believers that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern believers can apply this verse by maintaining patience when facing injustice or oppression, trusting that Allah's justice will ultimately prevail even if not immediately visible. In professional or social contexts where unethical behavior seems to prosper temporarily, the verse provides reassurance that divine accountability operates beyond human timescales. It encourages believers to focus on their own righteousness rather than becoming consumed with anger at oppressors, and to work for justice while leaving ultimate judgment to Allah. The verse also teaches responding to persecution with dignified perseverance rather than despair or revenge.
❓How does this verse address modern concerns about divine intervention and justice?
The verse addresses concerns about delayed justice by explaining that divine intervention often works gradually and purposefully rather than through immediate dramatic intervention. It shows that Allah's justice operates through both natural consequences and direct intervention, addressing those who question why oppressors sometimes appear to succeed temporarily. The verse demonstrates that divine wisdom considers multiple factors including opportunities for repentance, protection of the innocent, and broader educational purposes that aren't always immediately apparent to human observers. This provides a framework for understanding how divine justice operates within historical and social processes.
❓What is the significance of enemies returning 'disappointed' (kha'ibeen)?
The word 'kha'ibeen' (disappointed/frustrated) emphasizes the complete failure of enemies' hostile intentions and expectations. According to classical Arabic linguistics, this term indicates not just military defeat but psychological and spiritual frustration - enemies realize their efforts have been futile and their goals unattainable. This demonstrates that divine justice operates on multiple levels: physical defeat, moral humiliation, and spiritual recognition of futility. The term suggests that true victory involves not just overcoming external threats but also exposing the inherent weakness and ultimate failure of any system or force that opposes divine truth.
Translations & Commentary
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