إِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ ۖ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ 118
Translations
If You should punish them - indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them - indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
Transliteration
In tu'aththibhum fa-innahum 'ibaduka wa-in taghfir lahum fa-innaka anta al-'Azeez al-Hakeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is the statement of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) on the Day of Judgment, wherein he affirms Allah's absolute sovereignty and justice in matters of punishment and forgiveness. 'Isa acknowledges that the people are Allah's servants, and whether Allah chooses to punish or forgive them is entirely within His divine authority, as He is both mighty (Al-'Azeez) and wise (Al-Hakeem). Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir note this demonstrates the perfect submission and humility of the prophets before Allah's divine will, with no intercession granted except by His permission.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ma'idah's discussion of 'Isa and his followers (5:116-118). It is 'Isa's response to Allah's questioning on the Day of Judgment about whether he commanded people to worship him and his mother as gods. The verse reflects the broader Quranic theme of clarifying 'Isa's status as a messenger, not a god, while emphasizing monotheism (tawheed).
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (6/2410) regarding the intercession on the Day of Judgment relates to this theme, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes seeking intercession before Allah, reinforcing that all matters of reward and punishment rest with Allah's divine wisdom and justice.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers ultimate trust in Allah's divine wisdom and justice in all matters—whether facing hardship or blessing, one should recognize that Allah's decisions are both powerful and perfectly wise. It inspires humility before Allah's throne and confidence that His judgments are always just and merciful.