Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah An-Nasr speaks about the victory Allah granted to His Messenger and the spread of Islam after the conquest of Makkah. Ibn Kathir explains that this surah also indicated that the mission of the Prophet Muhammad had been completed and that his life was nearing its end.
The Help of Allah and the Conquest (Verse 1)
Allah says
“When there comes the help of Allah and the Conquest.”
(Qur’an 110:1)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the “Conquest” refers to the conquest of Makkah. Before Makkah was conquered, many tribes of Arabia were waiting to see what would happen between the Prophet and the Quraysh.
They would say that if Muhammad was victorious over his people, then he must truly be a prophet. When Allah granted victory over Makkah, it became clear to many people that the message of Islam was true.
People Entering Islam in Crowds (Verse 2)
Allah says
“And you see that the people enter Allah’s religion in crowds.”
(Qur’an 110:2)
Explanation
After the conquest of Makkah, the tribes of Arabia began accepting Islam in large numbers. Ibn Kathir explains that the different regions had delayed their acceptance of Islam until the conquest of Makkah.
When Makkah was conquered, the people rushed to the Messenger of Allah to declare their Islam. Within a short period of time, the Arabian Peninsula became filled with faith and most of the tribes accepted Islam.
Glorifying Allah and Seeking Forgiveness (Verse 3)
Allah says
“So, glorify the praises of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives.”
(Qur’an 110:3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah commanded the Prophet to glorify Him, praise Him, and seek His forgiveness after the victory.
Ibn Abbas explained that this surah also indicated the approaching end of the Prophet’s life. When the help of Allah and the conquest came, it meant that the mission of the Prophet had been completed.
Because of this, the Prophet increased in praising Allah and seeking His forgiveness.
The Understanding of Ibn Abbas
Umar ibn Al-Khattab once gathered the companions and asked them about the meaning of this surah. Some of them said that it meant Muslims should praise Allah and ask forgiveness when victory comes.
However, Ibn Abbas explained that the surah was informing the Prophet that his life was nearing completion.
Umar agreed with Ibn Abbas and said that he understood the same meaning.
The Practice of the Prophet After This Revelation
Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah used to say frequently in his bowing and prostration:
“Glory to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise be to You. O Allah, forgive me.”
She explained that the Prophet did this as an implementation of the command in the Qur’an to glorify Allah and seek His forgiveness.
Near the end of his life he often said:
“Glory to Allah, and praise be unto Him. I seek Allah’s forgiveness and I repent to Him.”
The Spread of Islam After the Conquest of Makkah
Ibn Kathir explains that when Makkah was conquered, the tribes of Arabia entered Islam in crowds.
The people had been waiting to see whether the Prophet would defeat the Quraysh. Once Allah granted him victory, they recognized the truth of his message.
Within a short time, most of the Arabian Peninsula had accepted Islam.
A Warning Mentioned in the Narration
A narration mentions that the Prophet said that people entered the religion of Allah in crowds and that some would later leave it in crowds.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah An-Nasr (110).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah An-Nasr.