إِنَّ عِبَادِى لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَـٰنٌ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ ٱلْغَاوِينَ 42
Translations
Indeed, My servants - no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators.
Transliteration
Inna ibadi laysa laka alayhim sultanun illa mani ittaba'aka mina al-ghawīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Iblis, affirming that His servants are protected from Satan's influence except those who willingly follow him and choose misguidance. This ayah emphasizes divine protection over the believers while establishing human free will—those who follow Satan do so by their own choice. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this represents a covenant between Allah and the believers, reinforcing that Satan has no power over the righteous who remain steadfast in faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Hijr's narrative about Iblis's expulsion and his challenge to Allah. The context follows Iblis's request for respite until the Day of Judgment, to which Allah grants his request. This ayah clarifies the consequences of that reprieve: Satan can only mislead those who choose to follow him, establishing the framework for human accountability and divine justice throughout the Quran.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Shaytan circulates through the son of Adam like blood circulates, so guard yourselves against his evil' (Sahih Bukhari 3331). Also relevant: 'When one of you intends to do something, let him be careful, for the Shaytan will beautify evil deeds for him' (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reassures believers that Allah's protection is available to those who seek it, while reminding us that we bear responsibility for our choices—Satan cannot force us toward evil without our consent. The practical lesson is to strengthen our faith and obedience to Allah as the primary defense against temptation and misguidance.