Al-Nasr (Victory)

This surah was revealed towards the latter days of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’s life and was understood by the more adroit of his Companions as a portent for his impending departure from this world. It says:

When God’s succor comes, and victory is complete, and you [Muhammad (peace be upon him)] see people coming to God’s faith in their multitudes, give glory to your Lord and seek His forgiveness. (1–3)

Muhammad (peace be upon him) was being urged to devote more time to praising God and pleading for His mercy and forgiveness.

Islam’s victory began with the fall of the idols of Makkah and the spread of its message from Arabia in all directions. Its central message is that God is One, and none else is worthy of veneration and worship.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) had done well to discharge his duty to eradicate the myths and superstitions associated with religious belief. It was time for him to return to his Lord to receive his well-earned reward. He had worked extremely hard and suffered a great deal. He worshiped God with greater devotion and sincerity than anyone could; he fought in battles until he was wounded; and he suffered the loneliness of his struggle, but his faith and trust had never been shaken.

Some may wonder why Muhammad (peace be upon him) had not been allowed to live longer to enjoy the triumph of Islam, but that would not have been in the character of a prophet. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not seeking any personal glory or world domination. He was of humble means, and during the latter days of his life, when he was at the peak of authority, he had to borrow food with which to feed his family from a Jewish retailer who asked for collateral. At that time, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was in command of a formidable fighting force that was sweeping Arabia and was poised to challenge the Roman Empire.

It would not have dented his reputation if he had asked one of his wealthy companions to provide the collateral on his behalf, but he did not, and he gave the Jew his shield as security for the loan. When Muhammad (peace be upon him) died, his shield was still mortgaged to that Jewish merchant.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) made no material or personal gain out of fulfilling his responsibilities, and once his task was completed, he was looking forward to meeting his Lord and Protector. He departed to join that most lofty company of angels and earlier prophets and messengers who are “honorably seated in the presence of a Mighty King” (al-Qamar: 55).