Juz 21: Al-ʿAnkabūt 46 to Al-Aḥzāb 30
Section 6 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
6. Migration in the Cause of Allah
Surah Al-'Ankabut addresses the critical theme of hijrah (migration) for the sake of preserving one's faith. This section offers profound guidance and reassurance to believers who might face persecution or hardship in practicing their religion:
يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ أَرْضِي وَاسِعَةٌ فَإِيَّايَ فَاعْبُدُونِ
“O My servants who believe, surely My earth is vast. So, Me alone you worship." (29:56)”
This verse establishes a fundamental principle: when believers find themselves unable to worship Allah freely in one place, they should consider migrating to another where they can fulfill their religious obligations. Allah's earth is vast, offering numerous possibilities for those seeking to preserve their faith.
The verse carries profound psychological comfort for those facing the daunting prospect of leaving their homeland. It reminds believers that their primary allegiance is to Allah, not to territory, and that true worship can be established anywhere on Allah's expansive earth.
Allah then reminds humanity of life's transient nature to alleviate fears about migration:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
“Every soul has to taste death, then to Us you shall be returned." (29:57)”
This verse contextualizes the fear of migration by highlighting an inescapable reality: death will find everyone regardless of location. Since no place offers permanent security against death, believers should prioritize spiritual well-being over geographical attachment. The ultimate return is to Allah, not to any earthly homeland.
For those who migrate and remain steadfast, Allah promises magnificent rewards:
وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُم مِّنَ الْجَنَّةِ غُرَفًا تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا نِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ
“As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We shall accommodate them in mansions of Paradise beneath which rivers flow, where they will live forever. Excellent is the reward of the workers." (29:58)”
The promise of eternal "mansions" (ghurafan) in Paradise provides striking contrast to the temporary discomfort of worldly migration. Those who sacrifice temporal security and comfort for spiritual integrity will gain eternal dwellings of incomparable beauty and permanence.
Allah then addresses a common concern of potential migrants – anxiety about provision and sustenance in unfamiliar lands:
وَكَأَيِّن مِّن دَابَّةٍ لَّا تَحْمِ
“How many an animal there is that does not carry its provision. Allah gives provision to it as well as to you, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.” (29:60)