Tafsir of Al-Anfal 8:45

"O you who have believed, when you meet a faction"—meaning, when you fight a group of disbelievers. He, glory be to Him, did not specify them because it is manifest that the believers do not fight anyone except disbelievers. It has been said: It is left indefinite to encompass the rebels (al-bughat), and the specific occasion of revelation does not negate this. Some have claimed that "cutting off" (inqita') is intrinsic to the meaning of fi'ah (faction), as it is derived from fa'at, meaning "cut off," and those cut off from the believers are either disbelievers or rebels. It was built upon this that it is not appropriate to say "it was not described because it is manifest," but this is unfounded, as is not hidden. The term liqa' (meeting) has become predominant in the sense of combat, like nizal (jousting). The address is prefixed with the particle of calling and alerting (ya ayyuha) to demonstrate the perfection of concern for the content that follows.

"Then stand firm"—to meet them.

"And turn not your backs to them." The apparent meaning is that the prohibition is general, except for the strategic maneuvers previously mentioned.

"And remember Allah much"—that is, in the midst of the fighting. Some have interpreted this remembrance as the takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), and others as supplication. They have narrated many supplications for the battlefield, among them: "O Allah, You are our Lord and their Lord; our forelocks and their forelocks are in Your hand, so slay them and defeat them." It is said that the intent of His remembrance, glory be to Him, is to keep Him in the heart and expect His victory. It is also said that it means: remember what Allah, the Exalted, has promised you of victory over the enemies in this world and reward in the Hereafter, so that this may invite you to steadfastness in fighting.

"That you may succeed"—meaning, that you may attain your objective of victory and reward. It is best to interpret "remembrance" as that which encompasses takbir, supplication, and other types of invocation. In the verse is a warning that a servant should not let anything distract him from the remembrance of his Master, glory be to Him. Indeed, His remembrance, majestic is His glory, in such a place is among the strongest proofs of love for Him, the Majestic. Do you not see how one who loves a created being like himself says:

I remembered you while the spears were quenching their thirst in me, And the Indian swords were drinking from my blood; I longed to kiss the blades, Because they glittered like the flash of your smiling teeth.