يَوْمَ لَا تَمْلِكُ نَفْسٌ لِّنَفْسٍ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَٱلْأَمْرُ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلَّهِ 19
Translations
It is the Day when a soul will not possess for another soul [power to do] a thing; and the command, that Day, is [entirely] with Allāh.
Transliteration
Yawma laa tamliku nafsun linafsin shay'an walal-amru yawma-idhin lillah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when no soul will possess any power or authority to benefit or harm another, as all dominion and decision-making belongs exclusively to Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse underscores the complete helplessness of creation before Allah's absolute sovereignty on that Day, negating all human influence, wealth, status, and intercession except by Allah's permission. Al-Tabari notes this represents the ultimate severance of all worldly relationships and dependencies that people relied upon in this life.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Infitar is a Meccan chapter focused on the events of the Day of Judgment and the accountability of human beings. This ayah appears in the context of describing the certainty and imminence of the Day of Judgment, reminding the Meccan polytheists that their idols and earthly powers will avail them nothing when Allah's command is absolute.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'On the Day of Judgment, a man's shadow will be his only companion besides his deeds' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Sahih Muslim records that on the Day of Judgment, people will seek intercession from the prophets, but none can intercede except by Allah's permission, illustrating the powerlessness described in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true reliance should be placed only in Allah, not in worldly possessions, status, or relationships, as all will become meaningless on the Day of Judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder to detach from material concerns and focus on righteous deeds that will benefit us when all other supports fail.