bi-idh'niby (the) permissionاذن سے۔ ساتھ اللہ کے اذن کے
اللّٰهِ
l-lahi(of) Allahاللہ کے
كِتٰبًا
kitāban(at a) decreeلکھا ہوا ہے
مُّؤَجَّلًا ؕ
mu-ajjalandeterminedمقررہ وقت
وَ مَنۡ
wamanAnd whoeverاور جو کوئی
يُّرِدۡ
yuriddesiresارادہ کرے گا
ثَوَابَ
thawābarewardثواب کا
الدُّنۡيَا
l-dun'yā(of) the world دنیا کے
نُؤۡتِهٖ
nu'tihiWe will give himہم دیں گے اس کو
مِنۡهَا ۚ
min'hāthereof;اس میں سے
وَمَنۡ
wamanand whoeverاور جو کوئی
يُّرِدۡ
yuriddesiresارادہ کرے گا
ثَوَابَ
thawābarewardثواب کا
الۡاٰخِرَةِ
l-ākhirati(of) the Hereafterآخرت کے
نُؤۡتِهٖ
nu'tihiWe will give himہم دیں گے اس کو
مِنۡهَا ؕ
min'hāthereof.اس میں سے
وَسَنَجۡزِى
wasanajzīAnd We will rewardاور عنقریب ہم جزا دیں گے
الشّٰكِرِيۡنَ
l-shākirīnathe grateful onesشکر کرنے والوں کو
Wama kana linafsin an tamootailla bi-ithni Allahi kitabanmu-ajjalan waman yurid thawaba addunyanu/tihi minha waman yurid thawaba al-akhiratinu/tihi minha wasanajzee ashshakireen
——— Transliteration
What Does Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 145 Mean? - Common Questions & Answers
Explore the meaning, interpretation, and Islamic explanation of Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 145 from the Holy Quran. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this verse, its context, and significance in Islamic teachings.
❓What is the core meaning of Ali Imran 3:145 about divine destiny and predestined death?
Ali Imran 3:145 establishes the fundamental Islamic belief that "No soul can ever die except by Allah's permission and at an appointed term." This means every person's lifespan is predetermined by Allah and written in divine decree (Qadar). No one can die before their appointed time regardless of circumstances, and no one can extend their life beyond what Allah has decreed. This teaching provides spiritual comfort and courage to believers, knowing that death occurs only when Allah permits it.
❓What was the historical context and circumstances of revelation for this verse?
This verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when false rumors spread that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had been killed. Some Muslims became demoralized and lost heart, thinking that if the Prophet could be killed, what hope did they have? Allah revealed this verse to teach that prophets and messengers are human beings who can die, but the message of Islam remains eternal. The verse emphasizes that even prophets die only when Allah permits, at their appointed time.
❓How does this verse explain the difference between worldly and eternal rewards?
The verse teaches that "whoever desires the reward of this world, we shall give him some of it; and whoever desires the reward of the hereafter, we shall give him thereof." Those who work solely for worldly gains receive only temporary, limited benefits in this life with no share in the eternal hereafter. However, those who strive for the afterlife receive both their decreed worldly provisions and eternal rewards. The key is intention (niyyah) - whether one's primary motivation is temporary worldly benefit or eternal spiritual success.
❓What does the Quran mean by 'appointed term' (kitaban mu'ajjalan) regarding death?
The phrase 'kitaban mu'ajjalan' means 'a book time-bound' or 'written decree with fixed term.' This refers to Allah's divine knowledge and decree (Qadar) in which every person's lifespan is precisely determined and recorded. The Arabic word 'kitab' (book/writing) emphasizes that this is not random but part of Allah's perfect plan and knowledge. The term 'mu'ajjal' (appointed/fixed) indicates that each person has an exact moment of death that cannot be advanced or delayed.
❓How does this teaching relate to courage and overcoming fear in Islamic belief?
This verse provides immense courage to believers by teaching that neither cowardice extends life nor bravery shortens it. Since death occurs only at Allah's appointed time, there is no rational basis for fear that prevents one from fulfilling religious duties or engaging in righteous struggle (jihad). Historical examples include companions like Hujr bin Adi who courageously crossed dangerous rivers in battle, reciting this verse and trusting in divine protection until their appointed time.
❓What is the significance of Allah promising to 'reward the grateful' (sanajzi ash-shakireen)?
The grateful (ash-shakireen) are those who recognize Allah's sovereignty over life and death, accept His divine wisdom in all circumstances, and remain steadfast in faith regardless of worldly outcomes. Their gratitude is expressed through continued obedience, patience during trials, and trust in Allah's perfect plan. Allah promises such people rewards in both this world and the hereafter, according to their level of gratitude and righteousness.
❓How did Abu Bakr use this verse when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) actually passed away?
When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) died, some companions like Umar were in denial. Abu Bakr recited this verse along with the preceding verse: "Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels?" Abu Bakr's famous words were: "Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. Whoever worshipped Allah, Allah is alive and never dies." This demonstrated that true faith transcends attachment to any individual personality.
❓What practical guidance does this verse offer for balancing worldly concerns with spiritual priorities?
The verse teaches that while engaging in worldly activities is necessary and permissible, one's primary intention should be seeking Allah's pleasure and eternal reward. A believer can pursue lawful worldly goals (education, career, family) while maintaining the perspective that ultimate success lies in the hereafter. This balanced approach allows Muslims to be productive in this world while avoiding excessive attachment to temporary gains, knowing that Allah provides both worldly sustenance and eternal blessings according to His wisdom.
❓How does this verse address the spiritual lesson learned from the Battle of Uhud?
The Battle of Uhud taught Muslims that initial victory can turn to temporary setback if divine commands are disobeyed, but ultimate success depends on maintaining faith and following Allah's guidance regardless of circumstances. Some archers left their posts to collect spoils, prioritizing immediate worldly gain over obedience to the Prophet's orders. This verse reminds believers that those who seek only worldly rewards may achieve short-term gains but miss eternal success, while those who prioritize obedience to Allah receive both worldly blessings and eternal reward.