Al-Baqarah · Madani · ayah 250 of 286

Al-Baqarah 2:250

وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

“And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."”

Saheeh International

Essence

Facing a vast army in the open, the few asked their Lord for three things in order: patience poured out, feet made firm, and victory.

A reflection

Patience, footing, victory: in that order

Read the prayer phrase by phrase, and notice the order.

Rabbanā, our Lord. They did not open with their need, but with the One who raises and tends them.

Afrigh ʿalaynā ṣabran, pour out patience upon us. The root of afrigh pictures a bucket tipped until it is empty. A classical theologian explains why the word is so strong. To pour a thing upon something is to fix it there. And to empty a vessel is to pour out all of it. So they asked for patience in the fullest measure, poured until nothing was held back.

Wa thabbit aqdāmanā, and make our feet firm. A concise commentary explains: by strengthening our hearts for the struggle. Another commentator says it is not merely standing still, but holding ground without trembling when the clash comes.

Wa-nṣurnā ʿalā l-qawmi l-kāfirīn, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.

The same theologian notes that a fighter needs three things, and the prayer asks for them in order. First, patience to face terrifying sights; without it, nothing else works. Second, the means to stand and not be forced to flee. Third, strength to overcome the enemy. Inner state, then footing, then outcome.

Most of our prayers in a crisis begin at the end: give us the result. This prayer begins inside, and works outwards. If you are facing something frightening, try praying it in the same order.

The full entry has 5 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.