Al-Maaida 5:23
Surah Al-Maaida, Verse 23 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:23 presents the inspiring response of two righteous men among Bani Israel who stood against the cowardly majority. These were Yushua bin Nun (Joshua) and Kaleb bin Yufna (Caleb), as authentically reported by Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ikrimah, and other scholars. When the Children of Israel refused to obey Allah's command to enter the Holy Land due to fear, these two God-fearing men - described as 'those who feared Allah and upon whom Allah had bestowed His grace' - courageously encouraged their people saying: 'Assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours. And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.' According to Islamic scholarship, their strategic advice reflected both military wisdom (that attackers gain psychological advantage once they breach enemy gates) and complete faith in Allah's promise. The tafsir explains that these men possessed two key attributes: fear of Allah alone (not worldly powers) and recognition that all excellence comes from Allah's blessing. Their unwavering faith contrasted sharply with the majority's cowardice, demonstrating that true leadership emerges from those who fear Allah above all else and trust completely in His promises, even when facing overwhelming odds.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
قَالَ رَجُلٰنِ مِنَ الَّذِيۡنَ يَخَافُوۡنَ اَنۡعَمَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيۡهِمَا ادۡخُلُوۡا عَلَيۡهِمُ الۡبَابَۚ فَاِذَا دَخَلۡتُمُوۡهُ فَاِنَّكُمۡ غٰلِبُوۡنَ ۚ وَعَلَى اللّٰهِ فَتَوَكَّلُوۡۤا اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ مُّؤۡمِنِيۡنَ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Qala rajulani mina allatheenayakhafoona anAAama Allahu AAalayhimaodkhuloo AAalayhimu albaba fa-itha dakhaltumoohufa-innakum ghaliboona waAAala Allahifatawakkaloo in kuntum mu/mineen
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 23
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Who were the two faithful men mentioned in Al-Ma'idah 5:23?
According to authentic Islamic scholarship, including reports from Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ikrimah, Atiyyah, As-Suddi, and Ar-Rabi bin Anas, the two faithful men were Yushua bin Nun (Joshua) and Kaleb bin Yufna (Caleb). They were among the twelve chiefs sent to scout the Holy Land and were the only ones who remained faithful to Moses' instructions and encouraged their people to trust in Allah.
❓What specific advice did Joshua and Caleb give to Bani Israel?
They said: 'Assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours. And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.' This advice combined strategic military wisdom (that attackers gain advantage once they breach enemy defenses) with complete faith in Allah's promise of victory. They emphasized that success comes through trusting Allah and taking courageous action.
❓Why were they described as 'those who feared Allah' and 'blessed by Allah'?
The Quran highlights two essential attributes: first, they 'feared Allah' - meaning they had true God-consciousness and feared only Allah, not worldly powers or enemies. Second, 'Allah had blessed them' - indicating that all excellence and guidance comes from Allah's favor, not personal strength. Their righteousness was a divine gift that enabled them to stand firm when others faltered.
❓What is the strategic significance of 'assault them through the gate'?
According to classical tafsir, this advice reflected both military wisdom and spiritual insight. Militarily, once attackers breach the city gate, defenders often lose morale while attackers gain confidence, leading to psychological victory. Spiritually, it demonstrated complete trust in Allah's promise - that taking the first step of faith would lead to divine assistance and ultimate victory over seemingly impossible odds.
❓How did their leadership qualities differ from the majority?
While the majority was paralyzed by fear of the enemy's physical strength, Joshua and Caleb exhibited true leadership by: (1) maintaining trust in Allah above worldly considerations, (2) providing practical solutions instead of excuses, (3) encouraging courage rather than spreading fear, (4) focusing on Allah's promise rather than enemy power, and (5) standing firm in their convictions despite popular opposition.
❓What lessons about faith and courage can we derive from their example?
Their example teaches that true courage comes from fearing Allah alone, not worldly powers. Faith requires action - they didn't just believe in victory but provided practical steps toward achieving it. Leadership means standing for truth even when in the minority. Complete trust in Allah (Tawakkul) involves both relying on Allah and taking necessary action. True believers support divine commands with wisdom and encouragement, not fear and excuses.
❓Why is the phrase 'if you are believers indeed' significant?
This phrase establishes a direct connection between true faith (Iman) and trust in Allah (Tawakkul). It implies that claiming to be believers while refusing to trust Allah's promises is contradictory. True faith manifests in courage to act upon Allah's commands despite apparent obstacles. The phrase challenges believers to prove their faith through action, not just words, especially when facing difficult circumstances.
❓How does this verse relate to the concept of faithful minority versus fearful majority?
This verse illustrates a recurring theme in Islamic history: a small group of faithful believers standing against a fearful majority. It demonstrates that numerical superiority doesn't guarantee moral correctness. The two faithful men represent quality over quantity in faith - their single voice of courage was more valuable than the majority's consensus of cowardice. This teaches that truth and guidance often come through faithful minorities who maintain trust in Allah.
❓What was the ultimate outcome of their faithful stance?
Although their immediate advice was rejected and they faced opposition from their own people, their faithfulness was ultimately vindicated. After forty years of wandering as punishment for the majority's disobedience, Joshua (Yushua) became the leader who successfully conquered Jerusalem under Allah's guidance. Caleb also remained among the faithful survivors. Their patience and trust in Allah's timing was rewarded with the fulfillment of the original divine promise.
Translations & Commentary
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