إِنَّ عِبَادِى لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَـٰنٌ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا 65
Translations
Indeed, over My [believing] servants there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs.
Transliteration
Inna 'ibadi laysa laka 'alayhim sultanun, wa kafa bi rabbika wakilan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Iblis (Satan), declaring that he has no authority or power over Allah's sincere servants who have submitted themselves to God. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that while Satan may tempt and whisper to people, he cannot compel the believers who trust in Allah and seek His protection. The ayah concludes with reassurance that Allah alone is the sufficient Guardian and Trustee for His servants.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the dialogue between Allah and Iblis in Surah Al-Isra, where Satan requests respite until the Day of Judgment (17:62), and Allah grants it while clarifying the limits of Satan's power over the believers. The context reflects the broader Islamic teaching that Satan's influence is limited to suggestion and temptation, not compulsion over those who remain steadfast in faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Shaitan (Satan) flows in the son of Adam like blood' (Sahih Bukhari 3282), indicating Satan's constant attempts to tempt humans, yet the ayah reassures that he cannot overcome the true servants of Allah. Additionally, the hadith about seeking refuge in Allah's perfect names and attributes (related to Sahih Muslim 2717) reinforces protection from Satan's influence.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that despite Satan's relentless attempts at temptation, those who genuinely serve Allah and place their trust in Him are protected from his dominion. In modern times, this encourages Muslims to strengthen their faith through remembrance of Allah, righteous deeds, and seeking His refuge rather than living in fear of negative influences.
Related Ayahs
وَأَنتَ حِلٌّۢ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ
And you, [O Muḥammad], are free of restriction in this city
وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ مِّنْهُمْ أَن يُضِلُّوكَ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ ۖ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَىْءٍ ۚ وَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُن تَعْلَمُ ۚ وَكَانَ فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمًا
And if it was not for the favor of Allāh upon you, [O Muḥammad], and His mercy, a group of them would have determined to mislead you. But they do not mislead except themselves, and they will not harm you at all. And Allāh has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and has taught you that which you did not know. And ever has the favor of Allāh upon you been great.
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا ءَامِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ ٱلنَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ ۚ أَفَبِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَكْفُرُونَ
Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away all around them? Then in falsehood do they believe, and in the favor of Allāh they disbelieve?
إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ
Except, among them, Your chosen servants."