Surah An-Nisa 4:72
سُورَةُ النِّسَاءِ · Medinan · Verse 72 of 176
وَإِنَّ مِنكُمْ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ فَإِنْ أَصَٰبَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌۭ قَالَ قَدْ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىَّ إِذْ لَمْ أَكُن مَّعَهُمْ شَهِيدًۭا
Translation
Among you there is the sort of person who is sure to lag behind: if a calamity befalls you, he says, ‘God has been gracious to me that I was not there with them,’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The Clear Warning
Allah, in His infinite wisdom, addresses the believers, revealing a profound truth about those among them who are not true to the cause. The verse begins with a striking declaration: "وَإِنَّ مِنكُمْ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ" (And indeed, among you are those who would surely hold back). This opening carries immense emphasis. The particle `إنّ` (inna) signifies strong affirmation, like saying "Indeed" or "Verily." Added to this are two `لَ` (laam) particles and a concluding `نَّ` (nun of emphasis) on the verb `ليُبَطِّئَنَّ`. Scholars like al-Jalalayn and Ibn Ashur explain that these layers of emphasis, including an implied oath ("By Allah, he will surely..."), serve to highlight the certainty and gravity of this warning. The phrasing "مِنكُمْ" (min-kum, from among you) is crucial, indicating that these individuals are not outsiders but are present within the Muslim community, sharing their lineage or outward appearance, as noted by al-Razi. This makes the revelation all the more impactful, as the threat comes from within.
Deliberate Delay
The specific word `ليُبَطِّئَنَّ` (layubatti'anna) is important. It uses an intensified form of the verb. Al-Razi and al-Zamakhshari explain that this means more than simply "delaying oneself" (like the word `أبطأ`). Rather, it implies a deliberate, repeated act of slowing down, even discouraging or hindering others from going forth. This paints a picture of someone not merely hesitant, but actively a drag on the community's efforts, particularly in crucial moments like preparing for battle.
A Selfish "Blessing"
The verse then vividly describes the mindset of such a person: "فَإِنْ أَصَابَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالَ قَدْ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيَّ إِذْ لَمْ أَكُن مَّعَهُمْ شَهِيدًا" (Then if a calamity befalls you, he says, 'Allah has bestowed favor upon me, since I was not present with them.'). Here, `مصيبة` (musibah) refers to a misfortune or setback, such as defeat or casualties in battle, as clarified by Ibn Ashur. The individual's response is one of self-congratulation: "قَدْ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيَّ" (Allah has indeed favored me). They consider their absence a blessing, believing they were spared the hardship. The word `شهيدا` (shahida) here means "present" or "witnessing," indicating that they were not there to experience the calamity. This attitude, as al-Razi points out, reveals a person who finds joy in the struggles of their companions, a characteristic far removed from sincere brotherhood and indicative of hypocrisy. This precise choice of words exposes the true nature of these individuals, showing how their priorities are completely self-centered and detached from the well-being of the believing community.
Sources: al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nisa 4:72 is discussed in 2 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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