إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ لَهُۥ سُلْطَـٰنٌ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ 99
Translations
Indeed, there is for him no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord.
Transliteration
Innahu laysa lahu sultanun alal-ladhina amanu wa alaa rabbihim yatawakkallun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Shaitan (Satan) has no authority or power over those who have believed in Allah and place their trust in Him alone. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that while Shaitan may whisper and tempt, the believer's faith and reliance on Allah serves as an impenetrable shield against his influence. The ayah underscores that Shaitan's power is limited to suggestion and enticement, not compulsion, and his authority is completely nullified over the truly faithful.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah An-Nahl's broader discussion of Satan's role and limitations. It follows verses explaining how Shaitan tries to mislead humanity, establishing a consoling message for believers that their faith provides protection. The thematic context emphasizes the tension between Satan's attempts to lead people astray and the believer's defense through faith and trust in Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the son of Adam recites Ayat al-Kursi, Allah assigns an angel to guard him, and Satan does not approach him until morning' (at-Tabarani). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim states that strong believers are better and more beloved to Allah than weak believers, relating to the protection granted through steadfast faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
For modern believers, this ayah offers reassurance that sincere faith and trust in Allah provide genuine spiritual protection against negative influences and temptations. It empowers Muslims to recognize that while challenges and whispers may come, their commitment to Allah renders them invulnerable to Satan's ultimate authority.