The Holy Quran 8:48 — Surah Al-Anfal

Arabic text

وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَإِنِّى جَارٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَرَآءَتِ ٱلْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ ٱللَّهَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

Translation

(Remember the time) When Shaytaan (Iblees in the guise of a leader of an Arab tribe) beautified (decorated) their actions for them (the Mushrikeen of Makkah) and told them (encouraged them to fight the Muslims), "None from man can overpower you today when I am by your side." But when the two (Muslim and Mushrikeen) armies faced each other, he (Iblees) turned on his heels (ran away) and said, "I have nothing to do with you! Without doubt I can see what you cannot see (I can see the angels coming down to assist the Muslims). I am truly afraid of Allaah, and Allaah is severe in punishment."

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

Shaytan's deception of the disbelievers: the Quraysh were proud of their strength and numbers, but they were constantly at odds with the Banu Kinanah. The fear arose that the Banu Kinanah might stand in the way of their success.

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