Surah Al-Anfaal
Chapter 8 · Verse 59 · Revealed in Madinah
“And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah].”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Making Preparations for War to strike Fear in the Hearts of the Enemies of Allah
Allah says to His Prophet , in this Ayah,
الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ سَبَقُواْ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Commentary
Mentioned in the first of the four verses cited above are disbelievers who had not participated in the battle of Badr, therefore, they survived or there were those of them who deserted the battlefield after showing up as participants and were thus able to save their lives. It is about these people that it was said in this verse that these people should not think that they have made their escape good because the battle of Badr was Divine punishment for disbelievers and escaping from its grip was not possible for anyone. Therefore, it was said: إِنَّهُمْ لَا يُعْجِزُونَ 'Surely, they will not frustrate [ the Divine will ] - 59'. It means that these people cannot outsmart the will and power of Allah by their cleverness. If He decides to seize them, they would be unable to move even one step. May be, they are seized right here in this mortal world, otherwise, their detention in the Hereafter is all too obvious.
What does this verse bring up for you today?