فَمَن شَآءَ ذَكَرَهُۥ 12
Translations
So whoever wills may remember it.
Transliteration
Faman sha'a dhakrahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the divine message by emphasizing human free will and responsibility in remembrance of Allah. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that despite Allah's clear signs and guidance, each person has the choice to remember (dhikr) and follow the Qur'an or turn away, and Allah has granted this autonomy to test human faith and obedience. The emphasis on 'whoever wills' (man sha'a) underscores that guidance requires both divine guidance and human volition.
Revelation Context
Surah 'Abasa addresses the Prophet's interaction with Ibn Umm Maktum (a blind companion) and transitions to broader themes of divine guidance and human responsibility. This ayah concludes the surah by affirming that while Allah has presented clear signs, ultimate remembrance and adherence depend on individual choice—reflecting the broader Meccan emphasis on free will and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever wishes to remember his Lord should remember Him,' emphasizing the voluntary nature of dhikr (remembrance). This relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet encouraged constant remembrance of Allah as a means of spiritual fortitude.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that while Allah provides clear guidance through His signs and revelation, the choice to remember, reflect, and follow His path rests with each individual—emphasizing that spiritual growth requires conscious effort and sincere intention beyond external circumstances.
Related Ayahs
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلْبَـٰطِلَ وَأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ أَمْثَـٰلَهُمْ
That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allāh present to the people their comparisons.
فَمَن شَآءَ ذَكَرَهُۥ
Then whoever wills will remember it.
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ
And obey Allāh and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon Our Messenger is only [the duty of] clear notification.
قَالَ رَبِّ فَأَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."