The surah An-Naṣr (“Divine Help”) is a Medinan surah consisting of 3 verses. It was revealed shortly after the Conquest of Makkah (Fatḥ Makkah), marking the completion of the Prophet’s ﷺ mission. This revelation celebrates the victory of Islam and the mass conversion of the Arabs, while also being interpreted as an announcement of the Prophet’s approaching departure from this world.
According to Ibn Kathīr and Al-Bukhārī, the companion ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb understood this surah as a signal of the Prophet’s ﷺ imminent passing — once the divine mission was fulfilled, the return to Allah would follow.
Main Teachings and Key Insights
An-Naṣr is both a hymn of victory and a spiritual testament. It emphasizes that all triumphs come from Allah and that gratitude must accompany success. Its core lessons are:
- Divine triumph: the victory at Makkah was not by military power but by Allah’s promise. (verse 1)
- Mass conversion: people entering Islam in great numbers symbolizes the completion of the message. (verse 2)
- Glorification and repentance: even in victory, believers must turn to Allah with praise and seek forgiveness. (verse 3)
The Prophet ﷺ frequently recited this surah in his prayers toward the end of his life, often repeating the supplication: Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi-ḥamdik, Allāhumma ighfir lī
(“Glory be to You, O Allah, and with Your praise — forgive me”). (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Structure and Main Themes
- Verse 1: Proclamation of divine help and victory.
- Verse 2: Observation of Islam’s spread and acceptance across Arabia.
- Verse 3: Call to glorify, praise, and seek forgiveness from Allah.
The tone of the surah is serene and reflective: it combines gratitude with humility, symbolizing the conclusion of the prophetic mission.
Key Verse
The key verse of the surah is verse 3:
فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا
So glorify your Lord with His praise and seek His forgiveness, for He is ever accepting of repentance.
Why is this verse key?
- It captures the spiritual essence of the Prophet’s mission: worship, praise, and repentance.
- It reminds that success should lead to humility, not pride — victory is a prelude to returning to Allah.
- Scholars view it as a symbolic preparation for the Prophet’s departure, as the completion of the divine mission precedes meeting the Creator.
In summary, An-Naṣr serves as the seal of the prophetic message — celebrating divine victory while urging gratitude and repentance. It embodies the perfect balance between triumph and humility.