2. Surah al-Baqara, Medina 87

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ ...

2: 216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it.

C236. To fight in the cause of Truth is one of the highest form of charity. What can you offer that is more precious than your own life?

But here again the limitations come in. If you are a mere brawler, or a selfish aggressive person, or a vainglorious bully, you deserve the highest censure. Allah knows the value of things better than you do. (R).

... وَعَسَى أَن تَكْرَهُواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ...

But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you

... وَعَسَى أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ...

and that ye love a thing which is bad for you.

... وَاللّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٢١٦﴾

But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.

Other Versions:

2: 216

Asad Fighting is ordained for you, even though it be hateful to you; but it may well be that you hate a thing the while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing the while it is bad for you: and God knows, whereas you do not know [note 201].

Pickthall Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.

Kutiba 'alaikumul qita_lu wa huwa kurhul lakum, wa 'asa_ an takrahu_ syai'aw wa huwa khairul lakum, wa 'asa_ an tuhibbu_ syai'aw wa huwa syarrul lakum, walla_hu ya'lamu wa antum la_ ta'lamu_n(a).

[ Asad’s note 201 - …….this verse must be read in conjunction with 2:190-193 and 22:39: but it expresses, in addition, a general truth applicable to many situations.]