Tafseer Ibn Kathir of AN NAHL [126]

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.) ï´¿20:46ï´¾ 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.) ï´¿57:4ï´¾

(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.) ï´¿58:7ï´¾

(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.) ï´¿10:61ï´¾

(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.