Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:143 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 143
Arabic Text
وَلَقَدۡ كُنۡتُمۡ تَمَنَّوۡنَ الۡمَوۡتَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِ اَنۡ تَلۡقَوۡهُ فَقَدۡ رَاَيۡتُمُوۡهُ وَاَنۡتُمۡ تَنۡظُرُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Walaqad kuntum tamannawna almawta min qablian talqawhu faqad raaytumoohu waantum tanthuroon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:143 addresses Muslim companions after the Battle of Uhud, stating: 'You certainly wished for martyrdom before encountering it, now you have seen it with your own eyes.' This verse was revealed to address the psychological reality that many young Muslims, especially recent converts, had expressed eager desire for shahada (martyrdom) in Allah's path before experiencing actual battle conditions. The Arabic phrase 'walaqad kuntum tamannawna al mawt' emphasizes the certainty of their previous death wishes, while 'faqad ra'aytumoohu wa antum tandhuroon' describes their direct witnessing of death's reality during combat. Classical tafsir explains this as a divine lesson distinguishing between theoretical desire for noble death and the practical challenge of facing mortal danger. The verse connects to Prophet Muhammad's authentic hadith: 'Do not wish to encounter the enemy, and ask Allah for your well-being. However, if you do encounter them, then observe patience and know that paradise is under the shade of swords.' According to Islamic scholarship, this verse teaches that true faith requires readiness to back words with actions, transforming wishful thinking into genuine spiritual courage. The context relates to those companions who before Uhud expressed strong desire to prove their valor and achieve martyrdom, but when confronted with the actual sight of death - swords drawn, spears crossed, and casualties mounting - experienced the natural human response to mortal danger.
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 143 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 143
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the meaning and context of Ali 'Imran 3:143 about wishing for death?
Ali 'Imran 3:143 states: 'You certainly wished for martyrdom before encountering it, now you have seen it with your own eyes.' This verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, addressing Muslim companions who had previously expressed eager desire for shahada (martyrdom) but experienced natural human fear when actually confronted with death in battle. It teaches about the difference between theoretical desire for noble death and the practical challenge of facing mortal danger.
❓Why does Allah mention that the companions wished for martyrdom before Uhud?
According to classical tafsir, many young Muslims and recent converts had expressed strong desire to prove their valor and achieve martyrdom in Allah's path before experiencing actual battle. This verse serves as a gentle reminder that speaking about courage and actually demonstrating it under life-threatening conditions are different challenges. It's a divine lesson about backing words with authentic action when tested.
❓What does 'you have seen it with your own eyes' refer to in this verse?
The phrase 'faqad ra'aytumoohu wa antum tandhuroon' refers to the companions witnessing the reality of death during the Battle of Uhud - seeing swords drawn, spears crossed, casualties mounting, and the actual face of mortal combat. The tafsir explains this as witnessing death's reality through what can be felt and observed, even though death itself is not literally seen but experienced through its manifestations in battle.
❓How does this verse connect to Prophet Muhammad's teachings about encountering enemies?
This verse directly connects to the Prophet's authentic hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari: 'Do not wish to encounter the enemy, and ask Allah for your well-being. However, if you do encounter them, then observe patience and know that paradise is under the shade of swords.' The verse teaches that while wishing for battle is discouraged, when actually faced with conflict, believers must show genuine patience and courage.
❓What is the difference between theoretical desire for martyrdom and genuine spiritual courage?
Theoretical desire for martyrdom involves expressing noble intentions without experiencing the reality of mortal danger. Genuine spiritual courage requires maintaining faith, patience, and commitment to Allah's cause when actually confronted with life-threatening situations. The verse teaches that true faith is proven through actions during real tests, not just through words during safe conditions.
❓How should Muslims prepare for death according to this verse's teaching?
This verse teaches that preparation for death requires both spiritual readiness and realistic understanding of mortality's challenges. Muslims should strengthen their faith through consistent worship, develop patience through smaller trials, and avoid overconfident declarations about facing death. The focus should be on genuine spiritual development rather than romantic notions about martyrdom.
❓What lessons does this verse teach about genuine versus superficial faith?
The verse distinguishes between superficial faith that makes bold claims during comfortable times and genuine faith that remains steadfast during actual trials. It teaches that Allah tests believers to reveal their true character - those who sincerely meant their declarations of readiness versus those who spoke without understanding the reality. Authentic faith requires consistency between words and actions under pressure.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader theme of testing in the Quran?
This verse is part of the Quranic theme that faith must be tested and proven through real challenges. It connects to other verses about Allah testing believers' sincerity, such as Al-Baqarah 2:214 and Al-Ankabut 29:1-2. The verse shows that divine testing reveals the difference between those who make empty claims and those who possess genuine conviction backed by action.
❓What psychological and spiritual insights does this verse offer about human nature?
The verse acknowledges the natural human tendency to make brave declarations during safe conditions while experiencing fear when facing actual danger. It shows Allah's understanding of human psychology and provides a compassionate but firm lesson about self-awareness. The verse encourages honest self-evaluation and gradual spiritual development rather than unrealistic self-assessment of one's courage and faith.
Translations & Commentary
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