وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَا۟ىْءٍ إِنِّى فَاعِلٌ ذَٰلِكَ غَدًا 23
Translations
And never say of anything, "Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,"
Transliteration
Wa lā taqulanna li-shāʾin innī fāʿilun dhālika ghadan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah prohibits believers from making absolute statements about future actions without invoking the will of Allah (saying 'insha'Allah' or 'if Allah wills'). Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain that this teaches reliance upon Allah's decree and acknowledges human inability to guarantee the future, emphasizing that all affairs are ultimately in Allah's hands. The ayah corrects the arrogance of certainty and instills humility regarding what lies beyond human control.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative context of Surah Al-Kahf, which emphasizes divine wisdom and the importance of remembering Allah in all circumstances. While there is no specific isolated revelation context (asbab al-nuzul), the surah as a whole was revealed in Mecca to strengthen the believers' faith and remind them of Allah's sovereignty over all matters, including the future.
Related Hadiths
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When one of you intends to do something, let him say: If Allah wills (Insha'Allah)' - related in various collections emphasizing the practice of conditional intention. Additionally, the hadith about the Companions of the Cave in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim relates to the broader surah's theme of relying on Allah's will.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate the habit of saying 'insha'Allah' (if Allah wills) when making plans or promising future actions, as this reflects true submission to Allah's sovereignty and protects one from the sin of arrogance. This practice serves as a spiritual safeguard, reminding us daily that we are dependent on Allah's permission and wisdom in all our endeavors.