إِلَّا رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ ۚ إِنَّ فَضْلَهُۥ كَانَ عَلَيْكَ كَبِيرًا 87
Translations
Except [We have left it with you] as a mercy from your Lord. Indeed, His favor upon you has ever been great.
Transliteration
Illa rahmatan min rabbika, inna fadlahu kana alayka kabira
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the discussion about the limitations of human knowledge and the Prophet's inability to find the way except through Allah's mercy and guidance. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse highlights the complete dependence of humanity upon Allah's grace and favor, particularly in matters of spiritual guidance and knowledge. The ayah reassures the Prophet (peace be upon him) that despite his struggles, Allah's grace upon him has been and remains immense and sufficient.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Isra, which discusses the miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) and contains guidance for the Muslim community. Verse 87 specifically responds to the theme of human weakness and limitation in understanding divine matters without Allah's assistance, reinforcing the lesson that all true guidance originates exclusively from divine mercy.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (Book of Tawheed): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,' emphasizing that divine guidance manifests through mercy. Also relevant: Tirmidhi reports the Prophet saying, 'My Lord has commanded me with nine things...and to pardon those who wrong me,' demonstrating reliance on Allah's mercy in all affairs.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that success in navigating life's challenges, especially in seeking knowledge and spiritual guidance, depends entirely on Allah's mercy rather than human effort alone. It provides comfort and humility, reminding us that our achievements are gifts from Allah's grace, encouraging gratitude and reliance on divine guidance rather than self-sufficiency.