The phrase “there are believers amongst them” appears in the Qur’an in multiple contexts, referring to groups that may seem hostile or disbelieving but still contain righteous individuals. Here are some key verses with this theme:
1. People of the Book (Jews and Christians) – Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:113-115)
وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَاشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا
“Yet there are among the People of the Book those who believe in Allah and what has been revealed to you and what was revealed to them, humbling themselves before Allah. They do not exchange the verses of Allah for a small price.” (3:199)
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Meaning: Despite general deviations, some Jews and Christians sincerely believe in Allah and His revelations.
2. The Hypocrites (Munafiqun) – Surah At-Tawbah (9:66)
فِيكُمْ مُّؤْمِنُونَ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ
“Among you are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.” (Referring to hypocrites in Madinah)
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Meaning: Even among hypocritical groups, some may have true faith.
3. The Disbelievers’ Families – Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18)
ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْمَرْحَمَةِ
“Then he becomes one of those who believe and advise one another to patience and advise one another to compassion.”
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Context: Some from disbelieving families eventually embrace faith.
4. The People of Pharaoh – Surah Ghafir (40:28-35)
A believing man from Pharaoh’s family (possibly Hizqil/Hizbil) secretly defended Musa (Moses) (40:28).
Key Lessons:
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Hidden Righteousness: Even in corrupt societies, some remain steadfast in faith.
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Avoid Generalizations: Not all in a disbelieving group are the same.
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Hope in Da‘wah: There’s always potential for guidance.