Surah Al-Baqarah 2:250
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 250 of 286
وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
Translation
And when they met Goliath and his warriors, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour patience on us, make us stand firm, and help us against the disbelievers,’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Standing Before the Challenge
This verse takes us to a pivotal moment, when Talut’s army, the believers, came face to face with their formidable enemy, Goliath (Jalut) and his soldiers. The Arabic word `برزوا` (barazu) vividly describes this encounter. As al-Razi explains, it means they moved into open, unobstructed ground, leaving no hiding place. This wasn't a distant skirmish, but a direct, visible confrontation, emphasizing the sheer immediacy and intensity of the danger they confronted.
A Cry from the Heart
In this moment of stark reality and overwhelming odds, their immediate response was to turn to their Creator, crying out: `قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ` (they said, "Our Lord"). This direct address, "Our Lord," reveals their profound humility and absolute dependence on Allah. It’s a heartfelt recognition that in the face of such a terrifying enemy, human strength alone would not suffice. Their first recourse was not to strategy or numbers, but to divine help.
Pouring Out Patience
Their first request was `أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا` (pour out upon us patience). The choice of the verb `أَفْرِغْ` (afrigh), meaning "to pour out" or "to empty a vessel," carries deep significance. al-Razi highlights its intensity, noting that when something is poured into a vessel until it is full, it becomes fixed and doesn't easily leave. This isn't a request for a trickle of patience, but for it to be completely filled with it. Ibn Ashur similarly points out that `أفرغ` here is a powerful metaphor for abundant, strong, and all-encompassing patience, as if patience would flood their hearts and bodies, leaving no room for fear. They sought a deep, unwavering resolve that would not diminish.
Firm Footing in Battle
Next, they pleaded, `وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا` (and make our feet firm). Ibn Ashur clarifies this as a powerful metaphor for avoiding flight and maintaining courage. In the heat of battle, fear can make one's feet slip, leading to retreat. By asking Allah to make their feet firm, they were praying for unwavering steadfastness and courage, ensuring they would not turn their backs on the enemy. al-Razi adds that this request encompasses both inner resolve and the practical ability to hold their ground, connecting it to the necessary strength and means to stand firm without being forced to flee.
Victory Over Disbelief
Finally, they concluded their supplication with `وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ` (and grant us victory over the disbelieving people). This is a direct plea for divine assistance in achieving victory. By explicitly naming their adversaries as `الْكَـٰفِرِينَ` (the disbelieving people), they underscore the spiritual dimension of their struggle. This wasn't merely a clash of armies, but a battle against those who rejected faith, giving their request for victory a profound purpose rooted in upholding Allah's word.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:250 is discussed in 10 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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