وَمَا تَشَآءُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا 30
Translations
And you do not will except that Allāh wills. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.
Transliteration
Wa mā tashāʾūn illā an yashāʾa Allāh. Inna Allāha kāna ʿalīman ḥakīmā.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the doctrine of divine will (qadar) in relation to human choice, affirming that human volition is subordinate to Allah's ultimate will. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that while humans possess choice and agency (ikhtiyār), their choices ultimately occur within the framework of Allah's decree. The ayah concludes by affirming Allah's perfect knowledge and wisdom in all matters, indicating that His will encompasses all things with complete awareness and purpose.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76) is a Medinan surah that addresses fundamental Islamic beliefs about human nature, destiny, and the afterlife. This particular ayah appears in the context of discussing human responsibility and divine will, themes central to the surah's broader message about mankind's journey from creation to the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best manners and character' (Sahih Bukhari 3331), emphasizing that while Allah has decreed all things, humans are responsible for their moral choices. Additionally, in a famous hadith in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, the Prophet teaches about the balance between qadar and human effort: 'Work for your worldly life as if you will live forever, and work for your afterlife as if you will die tomorrow.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to maintain balance between trusting in divine will while striving earnestly in their endeavors—neither becoming passive in the name of fate nor arrogant in attributing success solely to personal effort. It reminds us that ultimate control rests with Allah, which should cultivate humility and reliance upon Him while taking responsible action in our lives.