Divine Laws & Ways · Quran topic

Repelling

الدفع · Daf'

How Allah checks corruption, protects worship, and sustains truth through human striving.

263 verses · 6 parts · 7 min read

Study guide based on

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

«الدفع» · Volume 8

At a glance

In the Quranic worldview, evil and corruption do not recede on their own. Allah has established a universal law known as al-daf' (repelling or mutual checking), through which people push back against aggression, tyranny, and moral decay to keep the earth in balance Al-Hajj 22:40.

Repelling is not merely an outward clash between armies; it is an enduring dynamic across history between faith and disbelief, truth and falsehood, justice and oppression. Whenever believers actively uphold goodness and resist harm, Allah grants protection and preserves freedom of belief and worship.

Abandoning this responsibility brings devastating spiritual and social harm, including humiliation and loss of divine aid. By understanding how Allah defends the faithful and commands them to push back wisely, you discover the vital role each person plays in preserving righteousness.

Key verses

Al-Hajj 22:40: Shows that Allah repels aggression through human engagement to prevent the destruction of monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques where His name is abundantly remembered.
An-Nisa 4:6: Uses the term to mean handing over or releasing orphan wealth once they attain sound judgment, demonstrating the linguistic range of the root word.
Al-Hajj 22:38: Affirms that Allah directly defends and shields the believers against the harmful schemes and enmity of treacherous opponents.
Al-Baqarah 2:217: Reveals that opponents of faith persist in fighting believers with the ultimate aim of turning them away from their religion if they can.
An-Nisa 4:27: Contrasts Allah's desire to forgive and accept repentance with the drive of those following base lusts to make believers swerve far from righteousness.
An-Nur 24:19: Warns of painful punishment for those who love to spread obscenity and moral corruption among the believing community.
Ali 'Imran 3:104: Commands the community of believers to actively call to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong as their core vehicle for reform.

Words to know

الدفع al-daf'

Linguistically removing or pushing something away by force, and technically resisting whatever harm or corruption hinders a Muslim from worshiping Allah.

Appears 10 times in the Quran.

Most common forms: دَفَعْ (5), دَفْع (2), دافِع (2), يُدافِعُ (1)

Root: د ف ع

الجهاد al-jihad

Exerting utmost effort in speech, action, and resources to counter an enemy, struggle against Satan, or overcome the lower self.

Root: ج ه د

المحاجة al-muhajjah

An intellectual exchange where each opposing party presents arguments to refute the other's claims and defend their own stance.

Reasons for repelling

From the paper: «أسباب الدفع»

The Quran outlines clear motives that drive both believers and disbelievers to engage in repelling.

For believers, the primary driver is devotion to Allah and bringing humanity to worship their Creator alone, freeing people from servitude to created beings into the justice of Islam. Believers also push back to support Allah's religion so that His word reigns supreme, preventing fitnah (persecution and discord) from dominating the earth Al-Baqarah 2:193, Al-Anfal 8:39.

In contrast, disbelievers and hypocrites act out of hostility toward faith. Their foremost goal is to extinguish the light of divine guidance and turn believers away from their religion through envy and malice Al-Baqarah 2:109, Al-Baqarah 2:217, At-Tawbah 9:32.

They also seek to corrupt believers' morals by spreading indecency and enticing them toward unchecked desires An-Nisa 4:27, An-Nur 24:19. Furthermore, because their worldview is bound entirely to worldly life, they strive to dominate resources and subjugate people for material gain and prestige Al-Baqarah 2:212, Ali 'Imran 3:14, Al-Fajr 89:11-12.

«تعبيد الناس لرب العالمين وحده.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Spheres of repelling

From the paper: «مجالات الدفع»

Repelling operates across five fundamental arenas:

Disbelief and Belief: Beginning with Iblis and Adam Ta-Ha 20:115-123, humanity is divided into the party of Allah and the party of Satan Al-Mujadilah 58:19-22. Opponents constantly seek to make believers turn back from their faith Al-Baqarah 2:217.

Good and Evil: Believers are called to embody and spread virtue Ali 'Imran 3:104, while corrupt forces push to unleash base animalistic desires under misleading slogans of personal freedom An-Nisa 4:27, An-Nur 24:19.

Truth and Falsehood: Allah decreed that truth will overcome falsehood, comparing falsehood to temporary sea foam that vanishes while what benefits people endures Ar-Ra'd 13:17, Al-Isra 17:81, Al-Anbiya 21:18.

Oppression and Justice: Injustice destroys societies, whether committed by believers or disbelievers. Ibn Taymiyyah observed that earthly kingdoms endure with justice even if there is disbelief, but crumble under injustice. When believers fight among themselves, justice requires actively restraining the transgressor Al-Hujurat 49:9, Al-Mutaffifin 83:1-11.

Corruption and Righteousness: Prophets consistently confronted socioeconomic corruption, as when Shu'ayb rebuked his people for dishonest trade practices Al-A'raf 7:85, Hud 11:84-88.

«والذين كفروا هم أهل الباطل، وقد كتب الله الفوز والسعادة وصلاح البال للمؤمنين أهل الحق، وكتب الخزي والضلال وحبوط الأعمال للباطل وأهله، وأوجب على المؤمنين مدافعتهم بكل ما أوتوا من قوة؛ حتى إذا لقوهم في الحرب فليس لهم إلا القتال وضرب الرقاب، ثم شد الوثاق.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Means of repelling among disbelievers and hypocrites

From the paper: «أولًا: وسائل الدفع لدى الكافرين والمنافقين»

Opponents of Islam employ diverse tactics to push back against the truth:

Clamor and distraction: Drowning out the Quran with noise, frivolous entertainment, and sensationalism to prevent people from hearing the message Fussilat 41:26.
Doubts and schemes: Pretending to believe early in the day and disbelieving at its end to sow confusion, or exploiting events like the change of the qiblah Al-Baqarah 2:142, Ali 'Imran 3:72.
Promoting indecency: Normalizing vulgarity and vice to dismantle the moral fabric of the community An-Nisa 4:27, An-Nur 24:19.
Verbal abuse and mockery: Labeling believers foolish or backward Al-Baqarah 2:13, and ridiculing the prophets as sorcerers or madmen Hud 11:38-39, As-Saffat 37:12-17.
Material and numerical reliance: Boasting in superior armaments and massive coalitions Ash-Shu'ara 26:53-56, Al-Qamar 54:44-45.
Coalitions: Forming alliances, such as the confederates at the Battle of the Trench Al-Ahzab 33:9-11.
Economic and social boycotts: Cutting off food, trade, and marriage ties, as Quraysh did to the Prophet and early Muslims in the valley of Abu Talib, and persecuting converts within families Al-Ankabut 29:8, Luqman 31:14-15.
Direct violence: Persecuting, torturing, and waging open warfare against Muslims to crush their faith Al-Baqarah 2:217.

«وهذا هو لون من ألوان الدفع بالمكر والخديعة، وهو ما يهدف إليه الكافرون ومنافقو أهل الكتاب الذين دخلوا في الإسلام نفاقًا وابتغاء الفتنة للمؤمنين.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Means of repelling among believers

From the paper: «ثانيًا: وسائل الدفع لدى المؤمنين»

Believers are bound by divine ethics and must use righteous means to push back against falsehood:

Faith, piety, and unity: Holding firmly to Allah's rope and avoiding internal division Ali 'Imran 3:102-105, Al-Anfal 8:45-46.
Enjoining good and forbidding wrong: This collective duty safeguards society from ruin, and its abandonment invites divine punishment Ali 'Imran 3:104, Ali 'Imran 3:110.
Repelling with goodness: Diffusing hostility through patience, gentleness, and dignified speech in times of peace Al-Mu'minun 23:96, Fussilat 41:34-35.
Persuasive discourse and media: Clarifying doubts, debating with wisdom An-Nahl 16:125, and using creative speech, poetry, and modern communications to champion truth Ash-Shu'ara 26:224-226.
Cultivating strength: Developing spiritual, political, economic, and military capabilities to deter aggression Al-Anfal 8:60.
Strategic pacts: Establishing legitimate alliances and peace treaties that secure communal welfare Al-Anfal 8:72-73.
Righteous warfare: Armed struggle is permitted strictly as a last resort to defend against oppression and protect religious sanctities Al-Hajj 22:39-40.
Economic leverage and social disavowal: Withholding economic support from active combatants, while maintaining complete inner disavowal from those who fight Allah and His Messenger Al-Mujadilah 58:22.

«• الأمر بالمعروف والنهي عن المنكر، وهو أعظم برهان على صدق الاعتصام والتمسك بالكتاب والسنة، ولا ينجع ولا يأتي بأثره ويكون له قوة في الدفع، ونكاية في العدو، إلا باجتماع الكلمة؛ لذا تأخر بعد الوصية بها.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Consequences of abandoning repelling

From the paper: «عواقب ترك الدفع»

Failing to check corruption and defend the truth leads to severe consequences according to divine law:

First, desertion and abandonment by Allah: When believers neglect the defense of their faith out of complacency or worldly attachments, Allah leaves them to their own devices, stripping away His aid Ali 'Imran 3:160, Muhammad 47:7.

Second, humiliation and subjugation: Neglecting the duty of repelling allows corrupt forces to gain supremacy, bringing deep humiliation upon the Muslim community. The paper notes a hadith warning that when people immerse themselves solely in worldly commerce and farming and abandon striving in Allah's cause, Allah imposes upon them a state of dishonor that will not be lifted until they return to their religion At-Tawbah 9:24.

Third, divine replacement: If a generation turns away from its responsibility to stand up for Allah's cause, Allah will replace them with another people who love Him, whom He loves, who are humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, and fearless in standing for the truth Al-Ma'idah 5:54.

«فإذا نصر المسلمون دينهم وشريعتهم بالقيام بما افترضه الله عليهم والحمية له والذود عنه نصرهم الله، وإلا فالخذلان المبين بأن يكلهم لأنفسهم، وإن خذلهم فمن ذا الذي يملك لهم نصرًا من بعده سبحانه.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Outcomes of repelling

From the paper: «نتائج الدفع»

When believers fulfill their duty of repelling corruption through sound means, abundant blessings follow:

Freedom of faith and security: Establishing the supremacy of divine guidance removes coercive persecution, allowing pure monotheism to flourish and bringing safety, prosperity, and divine succession on earth Al-A'raf 7:96, An-Nahl 16:97, An-Nur 24:55.

Protection of places of worship: Pushing back tyrannical aggression preserves sacred grounds, including monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques where Allah's name is remembered Al-Hajj 22:40.

Establishing truth and vanquishing falsehood: Active engagement ensures that the rights of the vulnerable are restored, oppression is lifted, and falsehood collapses under the weight of truth Al-Anfal 8:7-8, Ar-Ra'd 13:17, Al-Anbiya 21:18.

Healing the hearts of believers: Defeating aggressive oppressors relieves the anguish and sorrow experienced by those who suffered injustice, bringing solace and peace to their hearts At-Tawbah 9:14-15.

«ولعل من أهم آثار الدفع وعواقبه الحميدة أن يأمن الناس على دينهم وعقيدتهم، ويتمكنوا من أداء عباداتهم وشعائرهم دون خوف أو وجل أن يمنعوا منها، أو تهدم دور عبادتهم؛ إذ إن هذا الدفع لأعدائهم هو الذي يمنع ذلك كله.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Takeaways

Check Evil with Goodness Whenever Possible
Begin by repelling interpersonal hostility with grace, patience, and kind speech Fussilat 41:34. De-escalating friction through high moral character transforms hostility into mutual warmth.
Uphold Enjoining Good in Your Circle
Fulfilling the duty of enjoining right and forbidding wrong according to your knowledge and ability is essential Ali 'Imran 3:104. When communities neglect this duty, wrongdoing spreads and affects everyone.
Cultivate Readiness in All Life Arenas
Build moral, intellectual, and material resilience Al-Anfal 8:60. Developing competence in your field is part of preparing the community to counter falsehood and support truth.
Value and Protect Places of Divine Remembrance
Recognize that checking tyranny is what shields places of worship from destruction Al-Hajj 22:40. Honor the sanctity of mosques and support environments where Allah's name is magnified.

Reflect

When faced with offensive speech or personal mistreatment, how often do you choose to repel it with patience and kindness instead of responding in kind?
In what practical ways are you using your voice, skills, or resources to check corruption or promote goodness in your immediate community?
How can you strengthen your inner devotion to Allah so your efforts to support the truth stem from pure faith rather than personal ego?

Go deeper

Linguistic meaning

Linguistically, the root da-fa-'a indicates pushing something aside or removing it with force. When paired with 'ila', it means delivering or granting, and when paired with 'an', it signifies protection and defending.

«دفع: الدال والفاء والعين أصل واحد مشهور، يدل على تنحية الشيء.»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

Technical meaning

Repelling whatever obstacles or harm come from others that hinder the Muslim from fulfilling the ultimate purpose for which they were created, including disbelief, tyranny, corruption, evil, and persecution.

«(دفع ما يلحق من الغير مما يعوق المسلم عن العمل للغاية التي خلق لأجلها، من كفر، وطغيان، وفساد، وشر، وإيذاء).»

موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم

مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية

Volume 8

How it differs from related terms

الجهاد Jihad: Jihad is broader than repelling, as it encompasses expending maximum effort against an external enemy, against Satan, and against one's own lower self, whereas defensive striving (jihad al-daf') is a specific subtype within the broader concept of jihad.
المحاجة Debating (al-Muhajjah): Al-Muhajjah is an intellectual form of mutual repelling, where each party presents evidence to repel and nullify the opposing party's arguments, functioning as a specific mental and verbal application of the universal law of repelling.