Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirûn (the patient).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَاyāayyuhāO you
ٱلَّذِينَalladhīnawho
ءَامَنُوا۟āmanūbelieve[d]
ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟is'taʿīnūSeek help
بِٱلصَّبْرِbil-ṣabrithrough patience
وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚwal-ṣalatiand the prayer
إِنَّinnaIndeed
ٱللَّهَl-lahaAllah
مَعَmaʿa(is) with
ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَl-ṣābirīnathe patient ones
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 153) ➊ The teaching of patience and prayer along with remembrance and gratitude has been given. In practicing the commands of Shariah, the difficulties that arise and the hardships that must be endured, perseverance in patience and prayer is helpful in facing these challenges. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The affair of the believer is amazing, for all his matters are good, and this is for no one except the believer. (Good in such a way that) if happiness reaches him, he is grateful and that is good for him, and if hardship befalls him, he is patient and that is also good for him." [ مسلم، الزھد، باب المؤمن أمرہ کلہ خیر : ۲۹۹۹، عن صھیب رضی اللہ عنہ ]
➋ In the previous verse, after mentioning His blessings (which include completing His favor by making the House of Allah the qiblah and sending His final Messenger), Allah Almighty commanded remembrance and gratitude, and in this verse, He commands seeking help from Allah Almighty through patience and prayer when calamities befall. See also Surah Al-Baqarah, verse (45). Although in this, the remedy for every calamity that befalls the believers is mentioned, from the sequence of the verses it appears that this verse is a prelude to preparing the Muslims for jihad, because the change of qiblah occurred in Rajab or Sha'ban of 2 AH, and the Battle of Badr took place in Ramadan of 2 AH. There is a gap of about two months between the two.
➌ {اِنَّاللّٰهَمَعَالصّٰبِرِيْنَ :} By this, special companionship (exclusive company) is meant, and whoever attains the companionship of Allah, what sorrow can he have? Just as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him: «لَاتَحْزَنْاِنَّاللّٰهَمَعَنَا»[ التوبۃ : ۴۰ ] "Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us." [ بخاری، المناقب، باب علامات النبوۃ فی الإسلام : ۳۶۱۵ ] The purpose is that be patient, so that you may attain the companionship of Allah Almighty.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
153. 1. A human being has only two states: comfort and ease (blessing) or hardship and distress. In blessings, there is the exhortation to give thanks to Allah, and in hardship, the emphasis is on patience and seeking help from Allah. In the hadith, it is stated: The affair of the believer is indeed amazing; if happiness reaches him, he gives thanks to Allah, and if hardship befalls him, he is patient. Both states are good for him. (Sahih Muslim) There are two types of patience: patience in refraining from evil deeds and avoiding them, and patience in sacrificing pleasures and bearing the loss of temporary benefits. The second is to endure with patience and restraint the difficulties and hardships that come in fulfilling the commands of Allah. Some people have expressed it in this way: One should act upon the things beloved to Allah, no matter how burdensome they are on the self and body, and one should avoid what Allah dislikes, even if desires and pleasures strongly pull one towards them. (Ibn Kathir)
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
153. O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.
[192] Seeking Help Through Patience and Prayer in Difficult Times:
The command to seek help through patience and prayer in difficult and trying times has already been mentioned in verse 45 of this Surah. The relevance here is that, along with the change of Qiblah, the Muslim Ummah is being prepared for the leadership for which countless difficulties and hardships will arise on the way. Therefore, O Muslims! In such times, resort to patience and prayer. Through patience, a person overcomes many difficulties, and prayer brings tranquility to the human soul in such circumstances. The servant’s trust in Allah increases, and this very trust proves to be a great support for remaining steadfast in difficulties. [193] The meaning of Allah’s companionship with those who are patient is that such people continue to receive help and success from Allah. As the famous saying goes, “The fruit of patience is sweet,” and this is something every person can know and experience based on their own personal experiences.