قُلْ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَعْصِمُكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ إِنْ أَرَادَ بِكُمْ سُوٓءًا أَوْ أَرَادَ بِكُمْ رَحْمَةً ۚ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا 17
Translations
Say, "Who is it that can protect you from Allāh if He intends for you an ill or intends for you a mercy?" And they will not find for themselves besides Allāh any protector or any helper.
Transliteration
Qul man dha alladhi ya'simukum min Allah in arada bikum su'an aw arada bikum rahmah. Wa la yajidun lahum min dun Allah waliyyan wa la nasira.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a powerful rhetorical challenge: no one can protect or prevent what Allah intends for His creation, whether harm or mercy. The verse emphasizes Allah's absolute sovereignty and power, making clear that all protection and support ultimately come from Him alone. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this verse refutes the notion that anyone—whether idols, intermediaries, or false protectors—can intercede or shield a person from Allah's will.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Madinah during the period of the Battle of the Confederates (Ahzab), this ayah is part of a broader Quranic discussion addressing the believers' fears and anxieties during this siege. It served to reassure the Muslim community that their reliance should be entirely on Allah rather than on material means or false allies, reinforcing monotheistic trust during a time of military and psychological pressure.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The greatest supplication is dua (supplication to Allah)', and 'No one can protect against the decree of Allah except Him.' (Tirmidhi) This reflects the ayah's core message of absolute reliance on Allah's power and protection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that genuine security and protection come only from Allah, not from material wealth, social connections, or worldly powers—a profound lesson for maintaining sincere faith and avoiding misplaced confidence in created things. It encourages complete tawakkul (trust) in Allah while also motivating righteous action, knowing that ultimate outcomes rest in His hands alone.