Transliteration:( Iz yoohee Rabbuka ilal malaaa'ikati annee ma'akum fasabbitul lazeena aamanoo; sa ulqee fee quloobil lazeena kafarur ru'ba fadriboo fawqal a'naaqi wadriboo minhum kulla banaan )
"When your Lord revealed to the angels [25], 'I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed [26]. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved. So strike them above the necks and strike off every fingertip of theirs' [27]."
Here, “revelation” means divine inspiration placed in the hearts of the angels who aided the Muslims at Badr. It does not imply that the angels were afraid; rather, Allah affirmed, “I am with you”, to honor their participation, elevating their status—just as the Companions of Badr are superior among the believers, so too these angels are exalted among the angelic ranks.
This highlights that angels play a role in strengthening believers during battle by instilling calmness and courage. Their presence brought firmness to the hearts of the Muslims. Similarly, the spiritual support of the Holy Prophet ﷺ is the channel through which divine help and blessings flow to the Ummah.
Allah cast fear into the hearts of the disbelievers, making them dread the faith and resolve of the Muslims. This divine fear was so intense that even lightly equipped believers appeared overpowering. The command to strike above the necks and cut every fingertip symbolized a complete defeat—spiritually and physically. The instruction reflects the precision and effectiveness taught by Prophethood in warfare: to target the vulnerable joints decisively.
The tafsir of Surah Al-Anfal verse 12 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Anfal ayat 11 which provides the complete commentary from verse 11 through 14.
(8:12) And recall when your Lord inspired the angels: ‘I am certainly with you. So make firm the feet of those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike at their necks and strike at every pore and tip.[10]
10. In view of the general principle propounded in the Qur’an we presume that the angels did not take part in the actual fighting. What we may suggest is that the angels helped the Muslims and as a result their blows became more accurate and effective.
[439]- By which they grasp and manipulate their weapons. Also interpreted as "all extremities," i.e., their hands and feet.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics