وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ 68
Translations
And indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.
Transliteration
Wa-inna rabbaka la-huwa al-'Azīzu ar-Rahīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah is both the Mighty (Al-Azīz) and the Merciful (Ar-Rahīm), emphasizing His perfect balance of power and compassion. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this declaration serves as a reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad and the believers that despite the arrogance and rejection of Pharaoh and his people mentioned earlier in the surah, Allah's dominion is absolute and His mercy encompasses all things. The pairing of these two divine attributes demonstrates that Allah's might is never divorced from wisdom and mercy, nor His mercy from justice.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shu'ara is a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet faced intense opposition and mockery from the Quraysh. This ayah appears at the conclusion of the story of Musa and Pharaoh (verses 10-68), serving as a divine reassurance following the narrative of divine punishment. The context emphasizes that despite earthly tyrants' rebellion, ultimate power and justice belong to Allah alone.
Related Hadiths
The concept of Allah's might and mercy together is reflected in the hadith: 'My mercy preceded My wrath' (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Additionally, the hadith on the 99 Names of Allah in At-Tirmidhi mentions Al-Azīz and Ar-Rahīm among the divine attributes believers should contemplate.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers facing hardship or opposition should remember that Allah possesses unlimited power to aid them and infinite mercy to forgive and guide, offering both justice against wrongdoers and compassion for those who turn to Him. This ayah teaches that true strength lies not in arrogance and cruelty, but in the perfect balance of might wielded with wisdom and mercy.