Surah 33:21
Show Full Scripture Context (33:21-22) — 2 Verses
لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِي رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٞ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأٓخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرٗا
Certainly the messenger of God has been a good example for you – for the one who hopes in God and the Last Day, and remembers God often.
وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابَ قَالُواْ هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥۚ وَمَا زَادَهُمۡ إِلَّآ إِيمَٰنٗا وَتَسۡلِيمٗا
When the believers saw the factions, they said, ‘This is what God and His messenger promised us, and God and His messenger were truthful.’ It only increased them in belief and submission.
}Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When (will come) the help of Allah?" Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!} (2:214) [1]
meaning, 'this is the trial and test that Allah and His Messenger promised us would be followed by the help and victory of Allah that is near.' Allah says:
}and Allah and His Messenger had spoken the truth.}
}And it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness.}
This indicates that faith can increase and strengthen in accordance with people's circumstances, as the majority of scholars stated: faith can increase and decrease. We have stated this at the beginning of our commentary on Al-Bukhari, praise be to Allah.
}And it only added} means, at that time of stress and difficulty
}to their faith} in Allah,
}and to their submissiveness .} means their submission to His commands and their obedience to His Messenger.
[1] At-Tabari 20:236.