عَلَىٰٓ أَن نُّبَدِّلَ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ 41
Translations
To replace them with better than them; and We are not to be outdone.
Transliteration
Ala an nubaddila khayran minhum wa ma nahnu bimasbooqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute power to replace humanity with a better creation if they persist in disbelief and disobedience. The phrase 'we are not outrun' emphasizes that Allah's will cannot be thwarted or escaped—He is capable of executing His plans without any impediment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this as a stern warning to those who reject Allah's signs, reminding them that their existence is contingent upon Allah's mercy, and He can easily substitute them with a more obedient creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij, a Meccan chapter addressing the disbelievers' mockery and rejection of the Prophet Muhammad and the message of the Quran. The broader context warns of the Day of Judgment and Allah's power over all creation, serving as a rebuke to those who arrogantly deny divine truth.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to themes in various hadiths about Allah's power and human accountability. See Surah Al-Anbiya (21:29) which uses similar language about replacement, and Surah Ibrahim (14:19) regarding Allah's ability to remove people and bring new creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that human life and status are gifts from Allah that can be withdrawn, encouraging humility and obedience rather than arrogance or rejection of truth. It reminds us that defying Allah's will is futile, as His decree will be fulfilled with or without our cooperation.