لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ ۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 2
Translations
His is the dominion of the heavens and earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent.
Transliteration
Lahu mulku as-samawati wa-al-ardi, yuhyi wa-yumiitu, wa-huwa ala kulli shay'in qadirun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute sovereignty over the heavens and earth, and His power over life and death. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse establishes Allah's complete dominion and unlimited capability—He alone possesses the authority to create, sustain, and annihilate all existence. Al-Qurtubi notes that the mention of giving life and causing death demonstrates the comprehensive nature of His power over all creation.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hadid is a Medinan chapter that opens by glorifying Allah and establishing His attributes of power and wisdom. This verse appears in the opening section of the surah, which serves as a foundational declaration of tawhid (Divine Oneness) and Allah's absolute attributes, setting the context for subsequent teachings about faith, spending in charity, and righteous conduct.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most excellent supplication is 'Subhana-Allah wa bihamdihi' (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him)' (Sunan at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the concept of Allah giving life and death is referenced in the hadith: 'No soul will die except by Allah's permission at an appointed time' (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to submit completely to Allah's will, recognizing that all control over life, death, and worldly affairs rests solely with Him. In modern life, this cultivates humility, trust in divine providence, and freedom from anxiety about outcomes beyond our control, as we recognize our dependence on the All-Powerful Creator.