Surah An-Nasr, rich in three verses, is the great glad tiding announcing the coming victory of Islam. It brings not only the good news of that victory but also guidance on gratitude to Allah and seeking His forgiveness. The 110th surah of the Holy Quran holds lessons and practices of great importance for every step of human life.

"Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim": I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

"Iza ja'a nasrullahi wal fath": When the help of Allah and the victory come,

"Wa ra'aitan nasa yadkhuluna fi dinillahi afwaja": And you see people entering the religion of Allah (the way of life of Islam) in crowds,

"Fasabbih bihamdi rabbika wastaghfirh, innahu kana tawwaba": Then glorify the praise of your Lord and ask His forgiveness; indeed, He is the Accepter of repentance.

It is essential to learn the surah with correct pronunciation, including the proper articulation of each letter.

There is no substitute for Allah's help in any victory. That is why people have been taught for all time that for any victory or success, help must be sought from Allah alone; it is He who grants victory and success. That help is to be sought through praising Allah, declaring His purity, and repentance and seeking forgiveness. This was put into practice in the life of the Prophet (PBUH).

The features and practice of this surah matter greatly in people's lives. As soon as it was revealed, the Prophet (PBUH) understood that it was the farewell surah revealed to him. That is why he asked for the she-camel named Qaswa to be made ready for him to deliver the Farewell Hajj sermon, and he gave that historic sermon riding her.

1. A hint of the Prophet's farewell in the Hajj sermon. Shaykh al-Akbar Allama Muhiuddin Ibn al-Arabi said that when Surah An-Nasr was revealed, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed the Companions gathered on the plain of Arafat. In that historic sermon he also said that Allah had given one of His servants the choice between this world and the hereafter, and that servant had chosen to meet Allah. Hearing this, Abu Bakr (RA) understood that the Prophet was speaking of himself and that his departure was near.

2. The announcement of the victory of Islam. In Surah An-Nasr, Allah announced the victory of Islam and made known that people would soon join the way of life of Islam in crowds. Although the announcement is made in two short verses, its significance is very great. On the day of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (PBUH) declared: "This is that victory, which my Lord promised me." He then recited Surah An-Nasr.

3. The conquest of Mecca was very important for Islam and Muslims. At that time others across Arabia were waiting for the matter of truth and falsehood to be settled. Through the conquest of Mecca the truth was established and shone forth, while falsehood, disbelief and oppression departed. Other people of Arabia then began coming to embrace Islam. Allah revealed the verse to give this good news to the Prophet and the world: "And (soon) you will see people entering the religion of Allah (the way of life of Islam) in crowds."

4. The last verse of the surah is very important and carries a special practice, guidance for which Allah Himself has given. Alongside declaring Allah's praise and purity in gratitude, it commands repentance and seeking forgiveness from Him for all worldly shortcomings, and assures that the servant's gratitude and repentance will be accepted: "Then glorify the praise of your Lord and ask His forgiveness; indeed, He is the Accepter of repentance."

There is no substitute for Allah's mercy in gaining success and victory in this world and the next, because the hope of forgiveness through deeds and worship alone is very slim; the door of forgiveness stays open through His mercy. In a hadith, the Prophet declared: "None of you will enter Paradise because of his deeds." The Companions asked: "Not even you?" The Prophet said: "No, unless Allah covers me with His mercy."

The surah makes no announcement of celebration or festivity over the victory Allah proclaimed. Instead, through this victory Allah gave believers two important lessons, and this is what is best to do whenever victory comes. It is the noble example of the Prophet (PBUH); if this example is upheld, victory will also remain firmly established.

1. Praise, glorification and gratitude. "Fasabbih bihamdi rabbika": then glorify the praise of your Lord. After the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet's practice was such that, in the account of Anas (RA), his humility and gratitude showed in this way: while entering Mecca, still mounted on his camel, the Prophet (PBUH) fell into prostration before Allah. This scene is for Islam and Muslims forever memorable and worthy of imitation.

2. Seeking forgiveness. "Wastaghfirh": and ask His forgiveness. Because of this command, the Prophet (PBUH) sought forgiveness and repented all his life. Hadith accounts say the Prophet (PBUH) repented 70 to 100 times every day.

The Lord's forgiveness is for those who seek forgiveness with praise and gratitude to Allah, as announced in the final part of the surah: "Innahu kana tawwaba": indeed, He is the Accepter of repentance.

May Allah grant the Muslim ummah the ability to take the lessons of Surah An-Nasr; not to be carried away with joy at news of victory and happiness, but to praise and glorify Allah and seek His forgiveness; and to lead their lives by the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah. Amin.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.