وَقَالَ يَـٰبَنِىَّ لَا تَدْخُلُوا۟ مِنۢ بَابٍ وَٰحِدٍ وَٱدْخُلُوا۟ مِنْ أَبْوَٰبٍ مُّتَفَرِّقَةٍ ۖ وَمَآ أُغْنِى عَنكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ ۖ إِنِ ٱلْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ ۖ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ ۖ وَعَلَيْهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلُونَ 67
Translations
And he said, "O my sons, do not enter from one gate but enter from different gates; and I cannot avail you against [the decree of] Allāh at all. The decision is only for Allāh; upon Him I have relied, and upon Him let those who would rely [indeed] rely."
Transliteration
Wa qāla yā baniyya lā tadkhulū min bābin wāhidin wa'dkhulū min abwābin mutafarriqah. Wa mā ughnā 'ankum min Allāhi min shay'. Inni'l-ḥukmu illā Lillāh. 'Alayhi tawakkalt. Wa 'alayhi falyatawakkali'l-mutawakkilūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Ya'qub advises his sons not to enter Egypt through a single gate, but to disperse and enter through multiple gates, fearing the evil eye or jealousy that might befall them despite their large number. However, he emphasizes that no precaution can truly benefit them without Allah's permission, and ultimately all judgment and affairs rest with Allah alone. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this demonstrates both prudent worldly wisdom and complete reliance on Allah's decree—showing these principles are complementary rather than contradictory.
Revelation Context
This verse occurs within the narrative of Ya'qub sending his sons to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. Ya'qub's counsel reflects the historical context of families traveling through potentially dangerous territories, while also establishing the theological principle that human efforts and precautions must be paired with trust in Divine will. It represents a pivotal moment before the eventual reunion of the family in Egypt.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Be keen on that which will benefit you, rely on Allah, and do not be incapable.' (Sahih Muslim 2664) This demonstrates the balance between taking reasonable means and trusting in Allah's wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere believers must combine practical wisdom and reasonable precautions with absolute trust in Allah's will—not viewing them as opposites but as complementary aspects of faith. In facing life's challenges, we should take sensible measures while remembering that ultimate protection and provision come only from Allah.