Surah Nahl Ayat 126 in Arabic Text
English Translation
Here you can read various translations of verse 126
And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient – it is better for those who are patient.
And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.
If you take retribution, then do so in proportion to the wrong done to you. But if you can bear such conduct with patience, indeed that is best for the steadfast.
And if you punish (your enemy, O you believers in the Oneness of Allah), then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).
If ye punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith ye were afflicted. But if ye endure patiently, verily it is better for the patient.
And in case you (This is addressed to all believers) punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith you were punished; and indeed in case you endure patiently, indeed it is more charitable of the patient.
If you [believers] have to respond to an attack, make your response proportionate, but it is best to stand fast.
اور اگر بدلہ لو بھی تو بالکل اتنا ہی جتنا صدمہ تمہیں پہنچایا گیا ہو اور اگر صبر کرلو تو بےشک صابروں کے لئے یہی بہتر ہے
Quran 16 Verse 126 Explanation
For those looking for commentary to help with the understanding of Surah Nahl ayat 126, we’ve provided two Tafseer works below. The first is the tafseer of Abul Ala Maududi, the second is of Ibn Kathir.
Ala-Maududi
(16:126) If you take retribution, then do so in proportion to the wrong done to you. But if you can bear such conduct with patience, indeed that is best for the steadfast.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
Ibn-Kathir
126. And if you punish them, then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you have patience with them, then it is better for those who are patient. 127. And be patient, and your patience will not be, but by the help of Allah. And do not grieve over them, and do not be distressed by their plots. 128. Truly, Allah is with those who have Taqwa, and the doers of good.
Allah commands justice in punishment and equity in settling the cases of rights. `Abdur-Razzaq recorded that, concerning the Ayah,
(then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted.) Ibn Sirin said, “If a man among you takes something from you, then you should take something similar from him.” This was also the opinion of Mujahid, Ibrahim, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, and others. Ibn Jarir also favored this opinion. Ibn Zayd said: “They had been commanded to forgive the idolators, then some men became Muslim who were strong and powerful. They said, `O Messenger of Allah, if only Allah would give us permission, we would sort out these dogs!’ Then this Ayah was revealed, then it was latter abrogated by the command to engage in Jihad.”
(And be patient, and your patience will not be but by the help of Allah.) This emphasizes the command to be patient and tells us that patience cannot be acquired except by the will, help, decree and power of Allah. Then Allah says:
(And do not grieve over them,) meaning, those who oppose you, for Allah has decreed that this should happen.
(and do not be distressed) means do not be worried or upset.
(by their plots.) meaning; because of the efforts they are putting into opposing you and causing you harm, for Allah is protecting, helping, and supporting you, and He will cause you to prevail and defeat them.
(Truly, Allah is with those who have Taqwa, and the doers of good.) meaning; He is with them in the sense of supporting them, helping them and guiding them. This is a special kind of “being with”, as Allah says elsewhere:
((Remember) when your Lord revealed to the angels, “Verily, I am with you, so support those who believe.”) ﴿8:12﴾ And Allah said to Musa and Harun:
(Fear not, verily I am with you both, hearing and seeing.) ﴿20:46﴾ The Prophet said to (Abu Bakr) As-Siddiq when they were in the cave:
(Do not worry, Allah is with us.”) The general kind of “being with” some one, or something is by means of seeing, hearing and knowing, as Allah says:
(And He is with you wherever you may be. And Allah sees whatever you do.) ﴿57:4﴾
(Have you not seen that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth There is no secret counsel of three but He is their fourth, – nor of five but He is their sixth, – nor of less than that or more, but He is with them wherever they may be.) ﴿58:7﴾
(You will not be in any circumstance, nor recite any portion of the Qur’an, nor having done any deeds, but We are witnessing you.) ﴿10:61﴾
(those who have Taqwa) means, they keep away from that which is forbidden.
(and the doers of good. ) meaning they do deeds of obedience to Allah. These are the ones whom Allah takes care of, He gives them support, and helps them to prevail over their enemies and opponents. This is end of the Tafsir of Surat An-Nahl. To Allah be praise and blessings, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his family and Companions.
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